Budding volunteers are invited to an event in Alton to discover how they can make a difference in their community.

On February 26 Community First is bringing together 29 organisations for the Alton and East Hants Volunteer Fair at the Alton Assembly Rooms.

From 10am to 2pm visitors can explore a huge range of opportunities, whether they are passionate about helping children, older people, people with disabilities, nature, animals or preserving local heritage.

Those attending include Guide Dogs, Barnardo’s, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Open Sight (Alton) and Alton Hard of Hearing, and Jane Austen’s House.

The event is part of the Social Prescribers’ Health on the High Street initiative, which highlights how volunteering can boost mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness.

Community First chief executive Tim Houghton said: “Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time – it’s about gaining something valuable in return.

“It connects you with your community, introduces you to new friends and can even improve your mental health. Whether you have an hour a week or more to spare, there’s a role out there that suits everyone.

"We look forward to seeing the fair buzzing with community spirit and people learning about where they could make a difference.”

Alton town mayor Cllr Annette Eyre will open the event, which was an idea from Community First’s October Coffee and Chat session in the Assembly Rooms.

Conversations with groups including Open Sight, Dementia-friendly Alton and the A31 Social Prescribers sparked the inspiration to organise this community event.

Dementia-friendly Alton offered its venue and Home Instead is providing refreshments. Anyone can attend and booking is not required. The fair is being organised by Volunteer First.

To apply for a volunteering role visit https://volunteerfirst.co.uk/