ONE of York’s MPs is volunteering with a host of charities in the city this week to highlight the work of those who dedicate their time to help others.

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said he wants to celebrate the voluntary sector and highlight the difficulties it faces in the current economic crisis. Today will see Mr Sturdy volunteering with some of York’s young carers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks youth club in Strensall.

The youth club holds regular activities during the school holidays and Mr Sturdy will be helping with a science workshop.

Tomorrow he will be volunteering at the York Against Cancer charity shop in Huntington, and then at its shop at York Hospital. Later that evening, Mr Sturdy will be helping out at the weekly youth club at Oaken Grove Community Centre.

Mr Sturdy said: “Every single day countless volunteers give their time, money and energy towards helping the most vulnerable members of our society.

“With the pressures of modern-day life, and the wider economic situation, it is not always easy to be a volunteer in 2011.

“Nevertheless, it is vital that we encourage as many people as possible to contribute in any way they can.

“I hope to learn a lot this week as I work and talk with some of York’s finest volunteers, and I intend to take my experiences back to Parliament next week to ensure that the voluntary sector’s concerns are heard loud and clear in Westminster.”