More than 20 youngsters from the Lancaster, Morecambe and Garstang area have joined up for the second volunteer programme after being specially chosen to take part, and they met up for the first time recently.

The officer behind the scheme, PC Kath Bromilow, hopes to see this year's group match the success of the first intake last year. She said: "Last year's volunteers were amazing.

"They showed great dedication and a willingness to take part in community campaigns and we are hoping for a similar success this year.

"The quality of people who applied to join this year's scheme was really impressive and it was a tough choice deciding who we would invite.

"We have a great mix of people from a variety of areas and backgrounds and they have already shown their willingness to get involved in community work."

The first fund-raiser for the volunteers was a 12-mile sponsored walk with the proceeds of this year's fund-raising going to Young Victims of Crime charity.

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