BUSINESSES are being urged to celebrate the volunteering efforts of their employees.

The Volunteer Centre Dorset is preparing to recognise volunteers of all kinds at its annual awards night at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester on October 27 and is keen to recognise the efforts made by businesses in the voluntary sectors.

The award event will be attended by more than 200 volunteers and members of the community as they come together to recognised the contributions made by the recipients.

One of the accolades handed out will be the Community Award for Volunteering (Employee Volunteering) award, which recognises public, private and voluntary sector volunteering where paid employees give their spare time to support the community.

This category has been running for two years and is open to all that groups that support employee volunteering, be they large or small organisations. Employee volunteering is now becoming hugely popular as employers see the impact this has on staff development, benefit to the community, and from a business point of view aspects such as social responsibility, and marketing.

Winners in the past have included Waitrose and CEFAS (Centre For Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science).

Other categories include the Young Volunteer of the Year for under 25s, Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer Group of the Year.

Those attending the awards will be able to enjoy meeting VIP guests as well as a free buffet, non-alcoholic refreshments and live music.

To make a nomination for the awards visit volunteeringdorset.org.uk

Alternatively contact Craig or Jenni on 01305 269214 or email awards@volunteeringdorset.org.uk