Trustees of Worthing Churches Homeless Projects held a buffet lunch to say thank you to their 140-strong team of hard-working volunteers.

Board of trustees director Sally Roff said: "We are so grateful to all our volunteers for giving us their time.

"It was a pleasure to be able to host this thank-you lunch and be able to express our gratitude personally.

"Our success last year in receiving the Investors in People Award is an indication of our commitment to training and communication.

"Our staff and volunteers have undertaken intensive training to ensure the services we offer are of the very highest quality.

"They provide a backbone of support to our staff and clients and we don't know what we would do without them."

The project, which works with more than 400 individuals each year within the town, helps provide services at Rupert Bacon House, a direct access hostel, Stepping Stones, a supported housing project, and St Clare's Day Centre based in Marine Place.

Volunteer co-ordinator Helen Knox said: "Volunteers enable staff to concentrate on the specialist tasks for which they are trained, as well as enhancing the services we offer our clients.

"Breakfasts and evening meals at St Clare's are cooked and served by volunteers but it's not all cooking.

"We have volunteers who come and chat with our clients or offer time as support workers, visiting clients in their own homes.

"Others help to maintain the gardens, assist with office work and pick up donated goods. There's a huge variety of voluntary work on offer and I'm confident that there's a niche for everyone who wants to help.

"We're well aware time is precious, and that many people can't commit to a weekly slot but to us even an hour or two every few months means a lot."

Anyone who is interested in helping should call Helen on 01903 832924 or email helen.wchp@btconnect.com