Ted Cheek is probably the district's oldest community contact volunteer.

At the age of 84 he decided to offer his services, as one of 14 volunteers, after hearing about the needs of the contact point in Denholme.

Thankfully, his age was not a barrier and he has already won praise for his dedication and hard work. Mr Cheek stepped forward for a couple of reasons, firstly he had the vision to see how the community could be helped, and, secondly it gives him something to do.

Mr Cheek is a shining example of a willing volunteer wanting to serve the community.

The Keighley Volunteer Bureau revealed at its recent annual meeting that it is attracting many more volunteers, particularly young people, than it did three years ago. That is a situation to gladden many a heart, but what is the reason behind the turn around in fortunes?

Project manager Gary Pedley says that many of the young people who approached the centre now saw volunteering as a vocation. He says that they see it as a gateway to employment, and by volunteering it gives them a level of work experience in their chosen field.

Mr Pedley frankly states that the young people see it as a way to help them go into a chosen career rather than having a social conscience. It is worth taking time out to consider the full impact of that statement.

It is difficult to believe that someone would make a cold clinical decision to volunteer to boost their own chances in life rather than help others. Or is it?

They must have a level of care and conscience if they are wanting to gain work experience in the fields covered by the Volunteer Centre. Surely, the world cannot have made young people so cynical. Or has it?

Whatever the background reasons, we should celebrate the initiative of the young people and the fact they are coming forward, and be grateful for their input and the work they are doing on community projects.

If their contributions do lead to a job and career then all well and good.