SCHOOLS in Andover urgently need volunteers to fill 50 school governor vacancies.

The School Governors' One-Stop Shop is working with the Hampshire local education authority to find candidates ready to come forward and make a difference in their community.

Jo Buchanan, of the One-Stop Shop, said: "We want to get the message to local people, in all parts of the community, that there is an urgent need for people to understand that there is not a particular 'type' of governor.

They are people from a wide range of backgrounds and ages and not all are parents. They are people like you.

"I hope that people will get in touch for more information and to volunteer.

"There are many good reasons why people should become governors, not least the sense of satisfaction to be gained from playing a part in children's education and making Andover a better place to live, work and be educated."

Governing bodies play a vital supporting and strategic role in the effective planning and decision-making of a school.

Governor volunteers need to be enthusiastic and committed and the One-Stop Shop targets people from the world of work with a broad range of transferable skills that can add value. Janet Sheriton, county governor services manager, said: "Every governor vacancy is a voice that is not being heard and we would urge anyone who thinks they may be interested in the role to contact us for more information."

Governor packs are available from the One-Stop Shop on 0870 241 3883 or by emailing info@schoolgovernors-oss.co.uk