ANYONE interested in taking part in some volunteering is invited to Buckland Abbey's recruitment day on May 10. The event will offer the chance to meet some of the staff and volunteers at Buckland Abbey, have a look around and gather information about different opportunities.

From a dedicated costume group to gardeners, and from room guides to car parkers, these people, who donate their time to assist Buckland's staff in presenting and maintaining the Abbey and its grounds, all have different reasons for volunteering.

Volunteer Phil Whitehead said: 'I started my working life at Buckland Abbey 50 years ago, and for me its rather like coming home, finding myself working for the National Trust again. You are a member of a large family.'

Ron Price, whose involvement with the abbey goes back to 1938, said: 'It is meeting visitors and being able to share with them and to see their pleasure, that makes being a room guide so rewarding.'

A younger generation of volunteers also find working at Buckland Abbey a worthwhile and enjoyable experience. Rachel Ashford is with the trust as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award. She said: 'I really enjoy volunteering and helping people learn more about Buckland Abbey. As part of the volunteer team I feel like I am contributing to another part of the property's history.'

The recruitment event takes place on Tuesday May 10 at 2pm. Anyone who cannot attend but would like to see if volunteering is suitable for them, call 01822 853607 or visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland