AN army of volunteers is helping children to have fun across Southend.

A team of 70 helpers entertains youngsters at children’s centres from Shoebury to Leigh.

Their jobs range from storytelling to gardening.

The children’s centres offer a range of support and services for pre-school children under five, as well as their parents.

But despite the number of volunteers already lending a hand, more are needed, especially for making contact with families who have just moved to the area.

For many, volunteering a few hours of their time a week has been a rewarding experience.

Mother-of-three Kerry Dewis, 30, of Northumberland Avenue, Southend, says helping out at the Summercourt Centre, Westcliff, helped her change her life.

She said: “Volunteering is great. I enjoy it and it is something which fits around with having children of my own.

“As a volunteer, I help support some of the groups at the centre. I help set them up and run them.

“I started volunteering because I had been out of work and I wanted to go back into employment.

“I had already done my NVQ level two in child care, but I didn’t feel confident enough to carry on with my studies, until I started my volunteering at Summercourt.”

Kerry is now on a work placement at Temple Sutton Children’s Centre, Southend, while she studies for her NVQ level three at Southend Adult Community College.

Norma Whitley, early years and childhood volunteer manager for Southend, said: “We have 70 volunteers on the books and about 50 are active regularly.

“There is a wide range of opportunities for volunteering in centres across Southend.

“We are particularly looking for people who can help families who have just moved to the area.

“You can be very isolated when you move to a new area.

“We can provide that little bit extra support.”

For details, call 01702 392468.