Councillor Phil Pearce, Mayor of Huntingdon, paid a visit to the Huntingdon Volunteer Centre's new office.

Huntingdonshire Volunteer Centre have moved into their new office at The Maple Centre in Oak Drive, Huntingdon.

The move came after an increase in volunteers meant that they needed much more space to operate.

The centre was previously at the Huntingdon Together Charity Shop at 1 Princes Street, Huntingdon.

The first Huntingdon office was opened in 1982, followed by a second office in St Ives in 1983.

By 1986, two more offices opened in St Neots and Ramsey.

Recommended Reading: Spotlight on Volunteers: Huntingdonshire Volunteer Centre

The mayor was welcomed to the centre by Mike Baker - Chair of Trustees, Anthony Clarke - Trustee, Tripti Woolf - Huntingdon office manager, and Michelle Panting - volunteer car scheme administrator.

During his visit, Cllr Pearce said the volunteers were doing a "marvellous job" in matching people in the community with volunteering opportunities.

He added that he was "very interested" in the work the volunteers do, including on the community car scheme that they run.

Mike Baker, chair of trustees at the centre, said: "The Community Car Scheme focuses on meeting the mobility needs of elderly, disabled or disadvantaged passengers for appointments with doctors, at hospitals, dentists and other health and social needs.

"Often public transport is not available or is unsuitable and taxi fares can be prohibitive. We provide a vital service which is increasingly in demand."

Tripti Woolf said: "Demand for the car scheme continues to grow year on year.

"Last year, volunteer drivers made 7,742 journeys. We are always in need of additional volunteer drivers. If you have a car and can spare any time, please get involved.

"Our offices also need help with answering the phones and arranging car bookings. Training will be provided, and expenses are, of course, paid."