Voluntary organisations and community groups, as well as town and parish councils from across East Devon, are being invited to book their places on East Devon District Council's free annual Working Together for the Future of East Devon 2019 event.

The event is taking place on Thursday, October 24, from 9.30am to 2.30pm at West Hill Village Hall near Ottery St Mary.

The council hosted event aims to bring local agencies together to improve communications between the voluntary and statutory sectors. Voluntary organisations are vital for the quality of life in East Devon.

There will be knowledgeable speakers on a variety of interesting and relevant topics, including:

-How to recruit and keep volunteers

-Climate change

-Health and wellbeing

Those attending are asked to bring with them items of non-perishable food, such as packets of dried food or tinned goods, which will be collected by a local foodbank and subsequently handed out to families in the area.

Places are limited to one per organisation/group and must be booked in advance. To find out more or book your place please e-mail [email protected] or phone 01395 517569 with your name and contact details and the name of the organisation you are representing before October 14.

Councillor Megan Armstrong, Portfolio holder for Sustainable Homes and Communities at East Devon District Council, said: "I've worked with a lot of voluntary and community groups over the years, so I know how vital they are for local people.

"I would urge anyone who would find this event useful to book a place and come along. There will also be an opportunity for everyone to talk to and make links with other East Devon organisations, which in the past has often led to some exciting joint projects."