Staff at Winchester Volunteer Bureau are issuing a New Year Challenge.

They would like everyone to think about helping another person at some point during the coming year. Your commitment could be as little as one hour to run an errand for someone who is housebound, or to befriend someone you know has few visitors.

The bureau assists nearly 200 voluntary organisations and it has a computerised database with in excess of 260 voluntary opportunities which can be matched to your requirements at the touch of a button.

As you have enjoy the Christmas festivities with friends and family, you may like to spare a thought for those less-fortunate people who do not have a warm, comfortable home or any friends or family.

There are many residents in the Winchester district whose lives are touched by volunteers who make a real difference to their day, be it by simply talking to them, or being driven to a lunch club.

Last year was the International Year of the Volunteer and many volunteers were rewarded for their time and dedication with an individually calligraphed certificate of thanks.

However, the bureau know that the real joy comes from the knowledge that they have made a real difference to the lives of others.

Could you make a difference, too? For more details of the vital work that the many organisations, contact Sue Heath-Caldwell or David Bradshaw at Winchester Volunteer Bureau on 01962- 841383, e-mail vb@ waca.org.uk or log on to the volunteering website at www. do-it.org