Mayor Ruth Finlay and vicar the Reverend Philip de Grey-Warter have joined forces in asking for this to be the year of ‘Volunteer Fowey’.

They have highlighted the town’s good neighbourliness but also the essential contribution made by many volunteers to the wide variety of groups and activities.

However, they say there is a danger that such volunteering is on the wane due to pressures of time and changing attitudes.

Launching the initiative they said: ‘If you value our town and community, then get involved! We would like to encourage every person in our town to contribute their time and energy as a volunteer this year.’

You can pledge a volunteering contribution by emailing [email protected]