A Wisbech school has benefitted from a staggering 1,000 hours of volunteering.

Volunteers helping out at The Orchard Church of England Primary School have racked up the milestone as part of the Cambridgeshire Time Credits scheme.

Launched in November, the scheme allows volunteers who amass time credits to exchanged them for days out at places such as The Light Cinema, Elgood’s gardens and the district’s four New Vision Fitness Centres.

The volunteer who earned the 1,000th hour, Mandy Freear, was surprised by staff with flowers.

Mrs Freear said: “I was stunned and honoured to be the Time Credit volunteer to have completed the 1,000th hour at Orchards School.

“I don’t count the hours I volunteer I just like helping the children.

“More importantly Orchards School has now received over 1,000 hours of help from all the Time Credit Volunteers, that’s brilliant.”

The programme is being run by Spice, a social enterprise specialising in time credits, and is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council.

The Children’s Centre in Wisbech is also taking part in the scheme. Members organised a bingo event at the Queen Mary Centre to help bring the community together and offer an opportunity for members to spend their credits.

Time Credit member Lauren Clarke, who volunteers at the Children Centre, added: “It’s a journey that’s just beginning, I am making new friends and enjoying new opportunities that the scheme brings.”

Overall, 171 volunteers in Wisbech have earned more than 2,000 Cambridgeshire Time Credits helping their community, doing everything from window cleaning to supporting sessions at a youth club or reading club.

If you would like to take part as an organisation or as a volunteer get in touch with Cambridgeshire Time Credit facilitator Annie Moulds on anniemoulds@justaddspice.org or call 07429 438383