VOLUNTEERS from more than 100 local groups came together to showcase the activities available in their community.

The bi-annual Sudbury on Show event is a chance for representatives from many of the town’s clubs and societies to promote what they do and to recruit new members.

The get-together, which was held in Sudbury Town Hall and St Peters Church in the market place, was billed as a “celebration of local voluntary community activity”.

It featured groups ranging from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Befriending Scheme to Sudbury Scouts and Sudbury History Society.

Sudbury Town Council deputy clerk, Jacqui Howells, was impressed by the turnout.

She said: “When you see so many people in one place you realise how many people give up their time for good causes in Sudbury.

“The town is buzzing. There are lots of people around, chatting and finding out about all the different volunteering opportunities there are.”

A regular attendee at the shows over the years, Adrian Walters, a ranger for the Sudbury Common Lands Trust, described Saturday’s event as “the best yet”. Mr Walters added: “This is the seventh time this event has been staged and it is as strong as ever.

“We’ve certainly spoken to a number of new people who are likely to get involved with us as volunteers.”

At the stand of civic group, The Sudbury Society, membership secretary Carlyn Knight said she had met a number of people who had recently moved to the town who were pleasantly surprised by the number of activities available in Sudbury.

She said: “Joining a group is a great way for newcomers to get involved and feel included.

“There is certainly no excuse for people to say there is nothing to do in this town.”