I HAVE written before about the role of volunteers and in particular the charitable sector and the work that they do to change decisions and help improve lives of those who have been impacted.

Volunteers play an integral part in the running of many local community groups and sporting clubs.

In particular it has been really great to see to the achievement of Penarth Cricket Club getting to the final, which was achieved by everyone who makes the club work. From the volunteers who make the tea or wash the kit, to those who cut the grass, it is the joint effort that allows the club to succeed.

All of this work is carried out by local residents who volunteer their time to support others and work together towards success, an image which is replicated across many local sporting clubs.

Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to see members of the community get involved with projects in their area and I have seen this in lots of charities, small and large, including national charities such as Tenovus and Marie Curie.

At the end of the month Macmillan Cancer Support will be running the biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 30, at 11am in Etc, 1 Royal Buildings.

For all the good work that is done by the NHS, the Macmillan Challenge is great opportunity for people to get involved and support the fantastic work that the organisation does.

I am hoping to visit some of the Macmillan Coffee Mornings across the constituency to meet not only with the volunteers who support the work of the charity, but also those who benefit from the generosity and support of others.

If you are able to, please take the time to visit one of the many organised coffee mornings and show your support for Macmillan Cancer Support and the great work that they do.

Finally, I would encourage you to find out more about local volunteering opportunities in your area.

There are many of aspects of volunteering, from helping out in charity shops or sports clubs, to running a local youth club.

For every interest that you have, I am sure there is some way in which you could volunteer your time to support a local group, charity or club and help them on their way to success.