Volunteer festival makers have received recognition after completing a course designed to make the most their experience.
The group of six from Volunteer Durham took part in the Volunteer Passport scheme, which aims to provide the skills needed to assist across a range of roles.
Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “The work that volunteers do in County Durham is magnificent, and provides a welcome helping hand to our countryside, culture, heritage, libraries, physical activity and sports clubs services and, of course, major festivals and events like Lumiere.
“I think it is great that we can in turn offer them the opportunity to improve their skills and employability prospects through the Volunteer Passport scheme.”
The scheme is run by Volunteer Durham in partnership with the council’s adult learning team and the charity Durham Community Action.
Those who finish the training are awarded an accredited certificate, and a Volunteer Passport photo ID badge.
The six festival makers – Ann Ferguson, Hannah Davies, Karen Calvert Murphy, Peter Charlton, Sinikka Kate Stoneley and Kelly Etherington – are the first to complete the course.
And as part of National Volunteer Week they visited Durham Cathedral to receive their certificates and be thanked for their hard work and commitment.
It is hoped that many more people will follow in their footsteps, with Volunteer Durham particularly keen to encourage more people to offer their time for culture and sport activities.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or for more information, please contact Volunteer Durham on 03000 266 555 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/councilvolunteering