A time bank has been launched by members of Grapevine, a learning disability community project based at Red Dog training in Kettering, to help people who have spare time and skills to help people in the community.

More than 25 people signed up as part of the Kettering time bank in its first morning.

Organiser Andrea Marsden said: "We have had a lot of positive feedback. People don't really know what a time bank is but they are really popular in America and a really good community project.

"We have had people who have been made redundant and others who have recently retired showing an interest in giving an hour of their time to take people to their doctor's appointment or help with their garden.

"If a person spends an hour helping someone in their garden they will have an hour in the bank and can claim it back from someone with a different skill."

It is hoped the project will help people develop a greater sense of community and give support to the more vulnerable members of the public.

Cllr Rosemary Bromwich, county council cabinet member for health and adult social services, said: "Time banks have been successfully set up across the country, harnessing the skills and time of local people to develop networks of mutual support in local communities.

"The support you could get could be anything from getting a prescription collected to doing the weekly shop or a bit of DIY.

"These types of jobs are an invaluable way of helping out in your local community and cost you nothing but your time."

To get involved in the project visit Red Dog, in Gold Street, Kettering, or contact Andrea Marsden on 01536 486810.