By JULIA RAVENSCROFT

MEMBERS of the north-west NSPCC have gathered at the peace centre for the first time to hold a north-west volunteer day.

Eighty-seven volunteers from north-west descended on the centre for their annual conference. They included members of branch and district committees that had travelled from Audlem in South Cheshire and Garstang, near Lancaster.

The event covered education, fund-raising a tour of the centre and the Full Stop campaign. Child Protection officers also gave a talk about issues surrounding protecting children in schools and children who have been sexually abused.

Deborah Hardwick, of the NSPCC, said: "The day is designed to inform and motivate our volunteer fundraisers to continue their valuable work for the society."

The NSPCC has formed a partnership with the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust and the Warrington Youth Club to create the centre, which is the first of a number of such centres across the region.

Ms Hardwick said: "The three way partnership is seen as a real opportunity to meet the wide variety of needs of all children and young people in the region, irrespective of race, sexuality, gender, culture, disability or religion.

"The feedback from the volunteers was excellent and we would like to thank the volunteers for all their hard work and determination in fundraising for the society."

If you are interested in fundraising for the NSPCC or would like further information about the society please ring the regional office on 0161 628 1209.