BAY volunteers have been given a £265,000 funding boost.

The Torbay Community Consortium (Torcom) has been given the money from the Big Lottery fund to improve volunteer services in the Bay.

The three-year project aims to raise the profile of the voluntary sector in Torbay, increase volunteers and promote websites to help community fundraising.

The project is by Groundwork South West, Torbay Voluntary Service and Torbay Citizens' Advice Bureau and Torbay Council.

Cllr Louisa Aiton, Torbay Council's cabinet member for community engagement, hoped it would encourage use of facilities as well as more volunteers.

Cllr Aiton said: "Volunteering groups in the Bay make a huge contribution to people's lives, often without praise for the incredible job they do.

"We are extremely grateful for the valuable work carried out by our volunteers.

"It is a rewarding role, and we hope this project will encourage more people to offer their services and make use of the facilities available in Torbay."