Eight dedicated volunteers at children's centres across Hastings and St Leonards successfully completed a 12-week course in volunteering.

The group was presented with certificates recognising their hard work by Cllr David Elkin, lead member for learning and school effectiveness, and Rose Austen, volunteer centre organiser from Hastings Voluntary Action, at a ceremony at Hastings Town Children's Centre on December 17.

The course completed by the group is run by the Hastings and St Leonards Children's Centres and accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN).

It proves that volunteering can be fun as well as and life-changing, covering everything from equal opportunities diversity, food hygiene, confidentiality, assertiveness and first aid.

Once completed it allows to volunteers to take part in all sorts of volunteering opportunities at children's centres including administration, community development, gardening projects, helping at drop-ins and escorting more vulnerable families to appointments.

All volunteers receive support and meetings, ongoing training and supervision.

Cllr Elkin said: "I was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate these hard-working volunteers.

"They are a credit to their communities and to the services they help."
The centres are always looking for new volunteers.

Anyone interested should contact Anne Harrington-Lowe at Hastings Town Children's Centre on 01424 460112.