A volunteer programme with a difference which trades time and goodwill is looking for new members.

Atherstone and Mancetter Timebank provides a platform for community-spirited residents to spend one hour of their spare time helping someone local - running an errand, picking up a prescription, walking their dog or food shopping.

In return they receive an hour's time credit which they can use to ask other Timebank members for something they want or need, whether that's an online music lesson or simply a telephone chat.

The coronavirus pandemic has paused the Timebank's activities, but organiser Coventry and Warwickshire CDA is now actively seeking more activities and more volunteers from the Atherstone or Mancetter area.

Kate Launchbury, Coventry and Warwickshire CDA social enterprise coach, explains: "The fantastic thing about Timebanking is that it is a reciprocal volunteer programme - for every hour donated you receive a time credit to call upon other Timebank volunteers to give you a helping hand when you need it.

"It's a simple concept, where everyone's time is equal.

"The goal is to improve the lives of those living in the local community by helping people find the support they need, enabling them to learn new skills and improving health and wellbeing.

"Normally volunteering is just about giving and not getting in return, that's why Timebanking is so different.

"Some people, however, don't want anything back and just want to volunteer their time.

"They can put their time credit into a community pot for people in the community to use who are unable - through physical or mental reasons - to give their time to help others.

"The coronavirus crisis has given us all an opportunity to actively help our communities and being part of the Atherstone and Mancetter Timebank is a way to keep up this good work and neighbourly spirit.

"It's the perfect vehicle for anyone who would like to continue supporting their community or those who want to start."

Atherstone and Mancetter Timebank is open to everyone in the local community over the age of 18.

The more people who sign up to the programme, the more varied the skills and opportunities that will be available.