The service needs a minimum of 25 volunteers to be on hand - but the more that step forward, the better.

Supporters of the proposed 55+ Centre (CIC) in Honiton are calling for volunteers to step forward to help run the day care service.

After St Michael’s was dramatically saved, campaigner Jackie Wadsworth has told the Herald how ‘vital’ helpers will be towards the group’s cause.

She is looking for a minimum of 25 volunteers to be on hand, but said the more that step forward, the better for the service.

“We need these people to be able to jump in at the last minute if needed to,” Mrs Wadsworth said.

“Training will be given - if there are any ex-nurses or people of that calibre interested in helping, they will be a real asset to us.

“Volunteers will have to serve the elderly with meals, do some kitchen work and make sure the patients are entertained.”

The 55+ Centre is a rebrand of the day care service which ran at St Michael’s in Honiton.

Devon county bosses have offered supporters of the service a three-year initial lease of the building, which they can use for three and a half days a week.

Mrs Wadsworth said if the service does not get the volunteers it needs, funding will have to be sought to employ more staff.

“If we do not get the volunteers, the ones that set it up will have to do it themselves,” she added.

“The money that we can save by having volunteers will go back into the pot for birthday and Christmas parties for our patients.

“It will also fund days out and entertainment in the centre.”

Mrs Wadsworth has picked up on interest from residents and passers-by who stop her in the street. However, just one volunteer has currently signed up.

She added: “I like to think that the volunteers now will be the clients in the future, and they will treat the elderly with the respect and kindness they deserve.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for the 55+ Centre can send Mrs Wadsworth an email on jacbar007@btinternet.com

People are welcome to start applying to become a volunteer now, to start when the service is hopefully running by August.