A special blue and orange-coloured ribbon has been launched in a bid to raise the profile of volunteer workers in the Epping Forest district.

The move comes as the Epping Forest Volunteer Bureau takes part in this year's United Nations-sponsored International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV).

First launched in December, the IYV is described as a global initiative that aims to celebrate the contribution of volunteers around the world.

Epping Forest Volunteer Bureau spokeswow2man Jacqui Webb said: "Over the last ten year, ribbons have been associated with a whole range of causes, but what makes the orange and blue ribbon different is that it recognises all volunteers regardless of which cause or issue they care about.

"Approximately 20 million people each year volunteer in the UK. In Epping Forest alone there are about 250 people who regularly give their time and talents to help others in the local community.

"Yet these volunteers are largely invisible. People just don't realise the impact volunteers have on their day-to-day lives."

She added: "Imagine how much more the work of volunteers would be recognised and valued if every volunteer wore an orange and blue ribbon.

"People who don't volunteer might be persuaded to get active. They'd see that volunteering is a mass movement - not the preserve of the few."

Further details on volunteering locally are available from Jacqui Webb on 01992 564256.

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