A drive to provide 3,000 hours of voluntary help is close to achieving its target.

Maldon Volunteer Development Agency wants people to donate a pledge of time in order to help it supply the equivalent of 3,000 hours of volunteer cover throughout the district.

The aim of the scheme - launched at the beginning of the year - was to encourage people currently not volunteering to offer help.

Would-be volunteers can offer anything from computer skills to doing housework and shopping.

Charity groups and organisations would then be able to call on the hours bank to get extra help.

Already the appeal has netted 2,633 of voluntary hour pledges since the start of the year and just needs another 400 by National Volunteers Week which runs from June 1 to 7.

Now the agency is offering free training courses to encourage people to give up their time as well as a reward for existing volunteers with the agency.

Among the courses available are an introduction to computers and the internet, stress management, public speaking and deaf awareness.

Alex Neal of the agency said: "We are looking for people who can dedicate the last remaining hours to help us reach our target.

"Obviously I would like to exceed the 3,000 hours, perhaps nearer to 4,000. I am looking for as many people to come forward as possible."

She added: "I am hoping some leading figures in the district might help spend a couple of hours volunteering.

"It can be as simple as sitting with someone over a cup of tea and chatting with them.

"It's for people who don't normally come forward to try out and see if they enjoy it. It might lead on to more voluntary work."

Anyone interested in making a pledge can ring the agency on 01621 851891.

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