This year has been designated 'International Year of Volunteers 2001' by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of promoting and recognising the importance of volunteering in our communities.

Wednesday marked the end of IYV2001 with many events taking place around the world to celebrate and acknowledge the valuable time and skills that are freely given by volunteers globally.

The Voluntary Sector is fundamental in the development and suitability of local communities and volunteering is pivotal to the continuation of many of the volunteering organisations in Pembrokeshire.

Volunteering not only provides people with the chance to support a voluntary organisation but also to meet people, gain work experience and learn new skills. Many of the organsations recruiting volunteers in Pembrokeshire offer training and out of pocket expenses like travel and childcare.

There are hundreds of local volunteering opportunities all over the county that require different skills and interests, like environmental issues, working with youth, working with the elderly, Information Technology, working with animals and practical DIY work.

Wales Council of Voluntary Action launched a new web site in the summer, which enables people to search for volunteering opportunities in Pembrokeshire. Take a look at what's available in your area by logging on to http://www.volunteering-wales.net">www.volunteering-wales.net or ring PAVS Volunteer Bureau on (01437) 779567.