The TUC and various third sector organisations have reiterated their call for a new bank holiday in October to celebrate the contribution of community and voluntary groups in Britain.

The campaign, which its organisers have said is winning support around the country, is hoping that the new bank holiday will achieve a number of objectives.

These include: encouraging people to volunteer and get involved with community groups; provide an opportunity for community and voluntary groups to publicise their activities; provide an opportunity for society as a whole to recognise the importance of the sector; and to provide the opportunity to increase community spirit through a number of local activities.

The Community Day would also help to bring the country more in line with the EU, which on average has three additional public holidays over the UK.

For more on the campaign, visit www.tuc.org.uk/extras/bankholidays.pdf