DIABETES UK is appealing for enthusiastic volunteers in Basingstoke and Hook to help co-ordinate a collection weekend at local Tesco stores.

The Big Collection Week-end, which will take place for three days from June 13, aims to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity as part of a partnership between the two organisations.

The partnership aims to make a better life for those with the condition or who are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and it raised over £380,000 for the charity last year.

Diabetes UK is recruiting 300 team leader volunteers across the UK and is looking for a team leader for the Basingstoke branch, in Chineham, and the Hook branch, in Station Road, to co-ordinate the weekend.

Team leaders will play a crucial role in organising the Big Collection Weekend and will work with staff from the South East regional office of the charity to prepare for the weekend, co-ordinate the collection operations, and motivate a team of collection volunteers.

Jill Steaton, South East regional manager for Dia-betes UK, said: “We are proud that nine out of 10 people who volunteered for the Big Collection Weekend last year said they would volunteer again, which means they must have really enjoyed it.

“We are looking for a motivated, approachable and organised team leader volunteer, with a desire to help raise lots of money for a fantastic cause.

“The weekend takes place at the end of Diabetes Week and it is a great way to inform customers about diabetes while raising money for Diabetes UK.”

To volunteer at the event, contact Lucy Shea on 01372 731365 or email BigCollection@diabetes.org.uk.