THEY say there is no such thing as a free lunch but there might be if you work hard as a volunteer.

This week, the work of Watford's volunteers was acknowledged and celebrated as part of national Volunteers Week.

On Tuesday, June 18, 20 volunteers who help at Age Concern in Vicarage Road, Watford, were rewarded for their efforts with a complimentary lunch at Pizza Express in Lower High Street, Watford.

Mrs Maria Kealy, of Age Concern, said the lunch was organised by Age Concern staff, courtesy of Pizza Express, as a thank you for all their hard work.

The work of volunteers for Watford Citizens' Advice Bureau was recognised by Watford CAB staff and local businesses, who contributed gifts and items as prizes in a raffle that took place as part of an afternoon of games and activities.

The CAB event was held in The Artichoke pub in Croxley Green on Monday and each volunteer was presented with a certificate.

Mrs Kealy said: "We wanted to do something for our volunteers because, without them, we would not be able to run the four schemes that we do.

"Staff at Pizza Express were great.

"They gave us all our food and drink free and were very welcoming and hospitable. It was really lovely."

Volunteers at Age Concern help staff run visiting schemes for the elderly, an advocacy service and a telephone club.

Mrs Kealy said: "Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer. One volunteer at the lunch was 17 and the eldest was 79, so we have a range of ages.

"The point of Volunteers Week is to recognise the work done and time given up by people and to raise awareness and make people think about volunteering with which they could become involved."

Dr Shamim Jagot, manager of Watford CAB in St Mary's Churchyard in High Street, Watford, said: "We value our volunteers every day but this is an opportunity to thank them for all their hard work.

"The Bureau could not exist without volunteers and Watford would be much poorer without a local CAB."

For more information about Age Concern telephone 01923 256361 or for Watford CAB telephone 01923 234949.

June 14, 2002 17:00