Looe seeks volunteers to help local groups

The Looe Volunteers will officially launch in 2024

People in a Cornish port town are being urged to volunteer to help with various local tasks and projects.

A new Community Interest Company, called Looe Volunteers, has been established by Mayor Tony Smith.

Its aims include connecting people who have some spare time with local groups and causes that need more personnel, organisers said.

The initiative was inspired by the near-cancellation of the town's New Year's Eve fireworks.

They were only saved by a last-minute surge of volunteers.

Mayor Tony Smith with volunteer Andy Godsall

Mr Smith said: "There are so many things that people can do, from litter picking and clearing weeds, to helping tourists and supporting local businesses.

"I know that people are busy, but volunteering is a way of giving something back to your community and making it a better place to live and visit."

The mayor added the Covid-19 pandemic had shown the potential of volunteering, as many people stepped up to help.

Andy Godsall, who delivers library books and Christmas hampers to those who need them, said: "Volunteering is absolutely essential, because there is so much to do and not enough money to do it.

"If we don't help ourselves, we can't expect others to do it for us."

The town has already seen a positive response to the mayor's call, with 25 people signing up after a recent public meeting.

The Looe Volunteers initiative will officially launch in 2024, with a clear structure and a range of opportunities for people to choose from, organisers said.