A CRIME fighting charity has held a Gloucestershire event to publicise the work within the county.

Crimestoppers, the independent charity, organised a volunteer committee event on January 19, to not only publicise the work, but to also appeal for new volunteers.

The charity has also launched a promotion campaign which includes a radio advert, and use of social media, posters and leaflets.

Gloucestershire residents passed on 1,275 pieces of useful information to the police in the area during the last calendar year - a 19.7 per cent increase.

The committee is committed to growing this figure even further as part of the charity's work to help tackle crime across the Cotwolds.

Tony Butler, volunteer chairman for the committee, said: “Crimestoppers makes a real difference to communities. It empowers individuals to give information about criminals safely and anonymously.

“We are hoping that this event will help to promote our service and maybe encourage people to volunteer and work on local campaigns.”

Emily Van Der Lely, regional manager for Crimestoppers in Gloucestershire, added: “Volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm and a concern for the welfare of the local community.

"They also bring their own ideas and expertise which is what helps to bring about such fantastic results.

“We encourage anyone with a real interest in Crimestoppers to join us by volunteering or by becoming a charity ambassador, helping to spread the message that anyone with information on crime can report anonymously.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Crimestoppers volunteer can find out more on the website, crimestoppers-uk.org.