Volunteers all over Devon are celebrated during Volunteers Week (1-7 June) for the enormous contribution they make to communities.

Over 5000 volunteers are registered with volunteer centres in Devon, and several thousand more arrange their volunteering for themselves. Between them they support a galaxy of organisations large and small all over the county.

For Volunteers Week the centres have got together to send out certificates that commemorate volunteers' efforts - anyone who takes part in the volunteer survey Count Me In! will receive one, and stand to win a cash prize draw. In South Hams, council reception staff are sporting a T-shirt.

Local libraries are holding entry forms. And there is a web version at www.volunteerdevon.net . In South Hams, the Volunteer Centre will be happy to take details on 01803 862266 .

Anyone who gives their time to help a group, team, club, school or other sort of organisation can participate. The Count Me In! survey aims to record and celebrate the amazing work done by volunteers in Devon. The information is confidential to Volunteer Centres Devon and will be really helpful in developing voluntary activity in Devon.

If you are considering volunteering, visit www.volunteerdevon.net or ring South Hams Volunteer Centre on 01803 862266 to find out about local opportunities.

Co-ordinator Howard says you can do as much or as little as you like, and he will help you pick whatever's just right for you. "Give it a try" he says "what you do is up to you, and volunteering changes lives".