A PUPIL from the Dell Primary School is one of thousands of local people who give up their spare time to volunteer in Monmouthshire.                              

Nine-year-old Harry Searle has been helping out at Usk Community Hub and library for the last 18 months, doing everything from restocking the shelves to issuing books to customers.

Dell Primary pupil Harry said: “I went to a volunteer open day in Abergavenny and decided I wanted to volunteer. I asked if I could help here and have been coming every Thursday for the last 18 months.

“My favourite part of the job is taking the books out of the return box and sorting them to see where they have to go. I also sort the shelving, scan books, laminate signs and issue books.”

The cabinet member for innovation, enterprise and leisure at Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), Councillor Bob Greenland, said: “Volunteering is sociable, fun and can be as flexible as you want to make it. It is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills, while supported by the council, which offers on-going support, recognition and training opportunities to volunteers.

“Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding, to both the volunteer and the community they serve. Harry’s commendable work at Usk Community Hub and library is testament to this.

“The staff can’t speak highly enough of him. He has become an integral part of the team and sets a wonderful example to other young people thinking of volunteering.”

To find out more about volunteering in Monmouthshire, call 01633 644420, email [email protected] or go to www.monmouthshire.gov.uk