Thousands spend day volunteering

Michael Howard is one of 70 MPs taking time out to volunteer

Thousands of people across the UK are giving up their Saturday to get a taste of volunteering.

They were taking part in activities, from world record attempts to building an entirely recycled greenhouse, to helping in charity shops.

Community Service Volunteers (CSV), which organises the day, says about half the population already volunteers.

Former Tory leader Michael Howard and former Labour home secretary Charles Clarke are among 70 MPs involved.

Mr Howard is helping out in his local Barnado's charity shop in Folkestone, Kent, and Mr Clarke is joining volunteers in the organisation's Norwich branch.

Mr Howard said he was "delighted to play my small part".

He added: "It seeks to help draw to the forefront the importance that volunteers play in helping the less well-off members of our society."

CSV organiser Jason Tanner said the day was not about putting hands in pockets but about giving up time.

He said many of those who volunteered reported feeling healthier and less stressed as a result of their work for a good cause.

Other events include a flash mob dancing to Michael Jackson's song Thriller in Liverpool to raise the profile of people with multiple sclerosis, and office workers in Darlington building a greenhouse from recycled plastic bottles.