HARDWORKING Canaries for the Community volunteers have offered their help to the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich. A group of around 15 helpers gave up their time to paint various areas of the theatre and to clear away shrubbery to make space for a seating area.

Canaries Community Ambassador Jeremy Goss volunteered on the day. "This initiative gets the Canaries out there to help lots of different areas of the local area via things like sport and the arts. Our volunteers are helping out and making a difference to people's lives and that's what Norwich City Football Club want to be associated with.

"We're a caring, family orientated club, that does it's best to help the local people. Aviva's financial input and support has allowed us to undertake these schemes and without them and the support of their staff who also volunteer, things like this wouldn't be possible," the City legend told First News.

Maddermarket's cafe area was in need of a lick of paint, and the Theatre's Administrator, Georgie Weir was delighted to recieve assistance, saying: "It's amazing that so many people will give up their time and it looks fantastic! We're making the effort for the people who come to the theatre, as it now looks much more attractive for them."

Canaries for the Community  was founded by Duncan MacInnes in 2003. Duncan commented: " We wanted to support the arts in Norwich, and with the Club being a major part of the city's life, it's great that the two can come together. Football has always been a passion of mine, so I wanted to give something back to the game and the local community. The Club does so much for the area, such as the Study Centre and Football in the Community, but this allows everyone to get involved. Everyone can enjoy themselves and make a difference."

IN ACTION - Canaries for the Community
volunteers at the Maddermarket Theatre

Canaries for the Community will be volunteering at Lowestoft Town Football Club on July 4, where City and Town staff will be decorating club social facilities and the changing rooms at Crown Meadow.

For more information call 01603 218750.