HAMPSHIRE’S largest parish church is hosting a two-day celebration of volunteers this month.

Officials at Romsey Abbey are behind the event on Saturday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 and the idea is to pay tribute to volunteers from across the town and beyond.

Liz Hallett is coordinating the display exhibiting the work groups and organisations carry out in the market town community.

There will be leaflets on display about the various organisations and the services they provide.

“Voluntary work is really important in helping weld a community together.

"We should not expect everything to be provided by the Government and it is amazing to learn how many groups contribute in such a variety of different ways to make Romsey the warm, caring community which it is. Drop into the Abbey and find out more,” said Liz.

Representatives from organisations that support disadvantaged children, people with disabilities, the elderly and who people can turn to in an emergency will be on hand at the event which will include 30 voluntary group stands.

Liz added: “The Abbey is a wonderful venue and this is an informal way to meet the organisations and groups that are working in the area. There will be a chance to learn about the support that these groups give or to volunteer if people are interested.”

The celebration is between 10am on the Saturday and 11am until 3pm on the Sunday and a civic service to mark volunteers’ contributions to the community will be held at 11.30am that day (June 8).