There are almost 2,300 people who give up their free time to volunteer at council-led services in Bracknell Forest.

An investigation by the News found that thousands dedicate themselves to libraries, schools, and parks and countryside work in the borough for no fee at all.

Councillor Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Culture, Resources & Public Protection, said: “Volunteers from across the borough make a huge contribution to enhancing the services offered by the council and we’re always looking for more people to give their time to support the community.

“Our volunteers play a vital role in a number of areas – school governors are fundamental to the success of our schools and take on a significant time commitment and responsibility to be part of a schools governing body.

“In our parks and countryside our volunteers do a wide range of tasks including leading health walks, maintaining plants and shrubs, carrying out conservation work and litter picking.

“We’re pleased to say the number of volunteers in our libraries has increased significantly over the last 12 months and the feedback we receive from them shows they enjoy being part of their local community and supporting residents to find books and resources.”

More than 500 give up their time as school governors, 106 work as volunteers in libraries and 1,640 help maintain the council’s parks and countrysides.

Take Pride is a council initiative founded in association with the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, which was set up to encourage locals to help maintain a “clean and green environment”, and 36 residents currently take part in the scheme.

Despite the increase in numbers of people volunteering, the council are looking for more people to come forward to help out with local projects.

Cllr McCracken added: “We would still like more people to come forward, whatever area you’re interested in.”

For more information on how to get involved with a council-led service, visit www.bracknellforestgetinvolved.org.uk.

Today is International Volunteers Day, an event created by the United Nations to recognise the work volunteers do.

The UN founded IVD “as a unique chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities”.