VOLUNTEERS throughout West Devon were celebrated last month in recognition of their valuable contribution to the community. Staff and volunteers from around 35 organisations showcased their work at Tavistock and Okehampton had 25 exhibitors. The events also gave an opportunity for people to find out more about the local volunteering opportunities available and how they can get involved. Devon county councillor for Tavistock Debo Sellis said: 'We are all immensely proud of the vast range of voluntary organisations working across the borough. 'We wanted to celebrate and thank volunteers and introduce people in to volunteering. It goes to show that as a community we get through these hard times thanks to the volunteers.' One person who attended the Tavistock event said how great it was to 'feel the passion of the groups represented, and have the chance to speak face to face' to all volunteers. Cllr Sellis added a special thank you to CVS, and to Tavistock town crier David Turner and Rosemary Turner for going around the town and drawing people into the event. Chairman of the trustees of the Museum of Dartmoor Life Robin Brindley said it was a very useful event in engaging potential volunteers and raising awarness of the charity. 'Several people picked up volunteering forms so we hope some of them will join us here at the museum,' he said. To find out more about volunteering in West Devon contact Billie Burnett, volunteering services co-ordinator for West Devon, on freephone 0330 6600357 or email [email protected]">[email protected]