VOLUNTEERS are urgently being sought to help a vital life-saving service with its fundraising efforts in the local area.

Janet Rattenbury has volunteered for the Devon Air Ambulance for the past nine years, emptying collection boxes in the Bridestowe area.

However, Janet has now been forced to give up her role as a volunteer, and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust is urgently seeking volunteers to help them empty the collection boxes and raise much-needed funds.

Janet said: 'It really is not a difficult job, and doesn't take up a lot of time either.

'Once a month, you have to go around and collect the money, count and bank it, and then let the Trust know the amounts.

'It's a very sociable thing to do, as shops and pubs are always very chatty and more than happy to have the boxes on their counters, because the service is so worthwhile in an isolated rural area like this.

'The people at the air ambulance are absolutely lovely to deal with too.

'I'm sure lots of people would be interested in volunteering, but are probably just not aware that there is a desperate need for volunteers.'

Volunteering for the air ambulance is an excellent way to be part of a team, make friends, have fun, gain experience, boost your CV, discover new life skills and, of course, give something back to the community.

Caroline Creer, director of fundraising at the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Janet for all her help over the years and for all the support she has offered us in her role as a volunteer.

'The money raised from our boxes makes a huge difference to our total income and we simply couldn't manage without our superb band of volunteers throughout the county.

'We wish Janet every happiness for the future.'

Volunteers are urgently required to carry on Janet's excellent work in Bridestowe, but volunteers are also needed across the area to empty collection boxes, help in charity shops, attend cheque presentations and talks, and help at promotional events.

Anybody interested in helping is urged to contact the trust on 01392 466666 and further information on volunteering is available at http://www.daat.org">www.daat.org