VOLUNTEERS at Andover War Memorial Hospital were helped out earlier this month as Maria Neal, Mayoress of Test Valley, spent a day as a volunteer.

She worked alongside the volunteers in the day hospital, audiology clinic and the WRVS tea bar.

First stop was the day hospital where Ann Edwards and Marina Franklin work with patients - helping those attending physiotherapy, handing out refreshments and playing a game of dominoes.

Mrs Neal then visited the weekly drop-in clinic in the audiology department, run for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, where Mike Amner and Alan Jones ensure patients are familiar with equipment, supplying technical support and information.

Mr Amner spoke of how volunteering gave him an activity to do after retiring from full-time employment, and as well as the social side of volunteering - meeting different people all the time - working on a rota system means the hours are flexible.

Finally Mrs Neal enjoyed a well-earned cup of tea with volunteers Margaret Bickley and Zoe Ireland at the WRVS café.

Volunteers provide help to patients of the hospital and residents of Willow Court Nursing Home in many ways - giving technical help in the audiology department, delivering newspapers, helping in the WRVS café and even potting plants in the garden - allowing patients to maintain their independence and dignity.

If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering, contact voluntary services co-ordinator Noreen Puttock on 01264 835279.