RECRUITS are needed to join the volunteers who help out in west Wiltshire's community hospitals, particularly Trowbridge.

The 160 existing volunteers who work alongside staff at the district's five hospitals carry out a wide range of jobs from serving teas and bed-making to arranging flowers, driving and clerical duties.

Volunteer services coordinator Suzanne Bennett said the team of dedicated helpers dispense good medicine of their own.

She said: "The enduring role that brings most comfort to patients is the chance to have a chat with someone, to find out what the weather is like outside, or whether the road is still being dug up in town.

"A short chat, any sort of diversion, can do wonders for the morale of patients and is valued by nurses and doctors as something desirable they might not always have time to provide."

All volunteers receive training and the nursing staff are always on hand to help. More information from Suzanne Bennett on (01225) 711339.