THE fact that Bolton's voluntary sector generates a combined annual income of around £15 million is timely news during Volunteers Week.

It highlights the fact that this town, with its 500 or so groups, is one of the most caring in the country, boasting a population quick to offer a lending hand wherever it can.

Voluntary work is one of the few growth areas nationally, offering not only job opportunities but also an official structure of acknowledged qualifications. Bolton's leadership in this field is a pleasing addition to the town's c.v., demonstrating as it does that caring in action is a powerful force indeed.

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