A Watford Borough Council employee is encouraging other council staff to join a scheme which allows them to take up paid time off to volunteer for the community.

Tabitha McLaughlin, education officer for Cassiobury Park, is volunteering her time to help set up Transition Watford - a group for people who are interested in helping build a sustainable and strong community in Watford.

She said: "I’ve made a lot of new friends and get to make a difference, which is amazing when you’re new to an area.

"I am so excited that I get to be able to be part of setting up this important community initiative. There are so many ways you can volunteer and so many causes that could use your help, Transition Watford included."

However there are several other organisations in the town offering volunteering opportunities, such as, helping the homeless by working in the kitchens at New Hope, to looking after collections at Watford Museum and helping out at community education events in Cassiobury Park.

Tabitha will continue to use the scheme for the foreseeable future and is encouraging all staff of the council to make use of the scheme.

She also volunteers in her own time and would encourage everyone to find a way to do so too.