Voluntary organisations are worth as much to Brighton and Hove's economy as the hotel industry, according to a new survey.

The £26 million contribution to the city was revealed in the results of an audit of 237 groups by the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) based in Queen's Road, Brighton.

At least 1,750 people run management committees, while 6,300 people work as front-line volunteers. Between them, they give two million man-hours a year, worth £17.6 million.

The sector also provides 2,200 paid jobs, generating an extra £9 million a year.

Only a fifth of the money to operate the groups comes from the city council or health trust, with a further 35 per cent generated through fund-raising.

At least 70 per cent of management committee volunteers in the city are educated to degree level.

Thursday October 30, 2003