THE world's largest independent environmental organisation is planning to set up a new volunteer group in St Helens.

WWF, formerly known as the World Wide Fund for Nature, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, currently has more more than 200 local volunteer groups around the UK.

These groups carry out a variety of activities including fund-raising and campaigning. Where possible, practical conservation training is provided in certain skills to facilitate the group's effectiveness.

Jim Forshaw, North West regional organiser for WWF UK, said: "Volunteers and the volunteer groups within the WWF organisation are highly regarded and are very important in representing WWF in the local areas in which they operate. A new group in the St Helens and surrounding area would be a welcome addition".

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Jim Forshaw on 01695 580532 or write to him at 15 Park Avenue, Ormskirk, L39 3LB.