Surrey County Council’s leader Councillor Andrew Povey has urged more people to volunteer in their communities.

The Tory council leader, in sentiments mirroring the Prime Minister David Cameron’s ideas about the Big Society, said community improvements should not just lie with the council but depended on residents playing a role.

He said: “Everyone can volunteer to play their part and we will all gain as a result.

“I pay tribute to all those who already do so much selfless work in communities throughout Surrey for the common good. I hope the good example they set will encourage even more people to play their part. We need to do all we can to support people who want to volunteer.”