VOLUNTEERS throughout West Somerset look set to have their own dedicated volunteering centre thanks to a £144,509 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The West Somerset Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) has been given the money to cover the costs of setting up and staffing a volunteering centre, most probably in Minehead. Although the proposals are still in the very early stages, it is hoped the centre will enable the CVS to have a 'high street' presence in Minehead, with scope for an outreach service to more rural locations such as Dulverton. The money will be spread over three years, with the centre giving volunteers access to lifelong learning, training and employment opportunities. CVS manager Barbara Middleton said: "We are very grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for its support. This grant will enable the CVS to move forward in providing a vibrant volunteering centre for West Somerset. "In supporting our vision, the fund has opened the door to enable the further support and development of the voluntary and community sector in what is an extremely diverse area of the country." The West Somerset CVS already hosts a Voluntary Organisations Forum, which holds regular meetings to share information and expertise. Discussions will be held with forum members in the New Year to discover their views on what should be included in the new centre. CVS development worker Katrina Midgley said consultation would be crucial. She said: "Everything is very much in the melting pot at the moment, although I think we will need to have some sort of high street presence. "The whole idea will be to bring training for potential volunteers and also organisations into one place - sort of a job centre for volunteers." The grant was part of a £66 million package of Christmas cheer given to almost 500 voluntary and community sector groups across England. All the money will go towards community initiatives which improve quality of life, bring real improvements to local environments and support services which create vibrant, healthy and safe communities.