EDUCATION chiefs this week launched a fresh drive to recruit school governors across Wiltshire.

Governors play a vital role in running schools, taking on anything from finance to appointing headteachers and Wiltshire County Council is looking to add to its ranks.

The council is looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds you don't need to be either a parent or a professional to get involved.

Head of governor services David Marriott said: "Becoming a school governor is very rewarding and gives people an opportunity to put something back into their community.

"Governors need to be able to work as part of a team, get along well with other people and be prepared to learn.

"It is challenging, but there is support from both the school and the local education authority."

School governors are the largest group of volunteers across the county and nationwide. There are more than 3,800 posts in Wiltshire and 300 of these are vacant at any one time. For more information, contact Paula Smith on (01225) 713821 or your local school.