YOUNG people in Winsford and Middlewich are being urged to mark the millennium by joining a new army of volunteers.

The 'millennium volunteers' will be recruited from the ranks of 16-24 year olds under a Government scheme aimed at tapping "the enthusiasm and commitment of many young people who want to make a contribution to the life of their community."

Cheshire County Council intends to join with district councils and other authorities to form a partnership which will co-ordinate the scheme in Cheshire.

It is hoped that the first work projects will be under way by the summer and that by the millennium, volunteering will have become a popular form of community service and a way for young people to improve their job and career prospects.

Cty Clr Larry Toale, chairman of the county council's community development committee, is looking to build on the base of volunteers already active.

He said: "Lots of young people in Cheshire do voluntary work in youth centres, schools and charities but there are a whole host of youngsters out there who are untouched by volunteering.

"This new scheme will give them the opportunity to demonstrate that they are not just interested in helping themselves but others in the community as well.

"We in turn have to persuade them that volunteering can be exciting, fun and worthwhile and ensure the work they do is of benefit to them and to society."

The scheme is open to youngsters who are employed as well as unemployed or in full and part-time education.

Projects could include working with children, the sick, the elderly and the disabled or promoting racial and religious harmony.

Cheshire County Council's youth service is looking into the possibility of volunteers working alongside youth workers in an extended scheme that could lead to a basic qualification.

The promoters of individual work projects will be able to bid for funding from the £15 million the Government has set aside for the scheme nationally.

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