Groups and organisations from across the borough were out in force on Tuesday to celebrate their wonderful volunteers during Volunteers’ Week.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Fatima Farook from the Family Information Service also attended the volunteering event.Fatima Farook from the Family Information Service also attended the volunteering event. (Image: Archant)

Face painting, dancing and manicures were just of the treats awarded to people who selflessly serve their community, with many volunteers also being presented with certificates.

And the rain did not dampen the celebrations at Barking Town Square – instead the organisers moved the activities into Barking Library.

More than 150 people attended the event – with many inspired to sign up to the ample volunteering opportunities available.

And around 18 different organisations, all of which require volunteer support to run, were part of the event including Barking food bank, faith groups, Barking Library and children’s centres.

“Just one of the borough’s children’s centres had nine people express an interest in volunteering,” said locality manager for Barking and Dagenham Council Rubina Abi, who helped organise the event.

“We were really pleased with how it went. A lot of organisations took part and it was a chance for them to appreciate all of the hard work that volunteers put in.

“People volunteer for different reasons. Some people want something to do and to give back to the community whereas others, who do not work, don’t have the experience and skills and so volunteering provides them with these skills and gives them the best opportunities.”

Volunteers’ Week runs across the country until Sunday.