MORE than 100 volunteers and past members helped to celebrate the tenth anniversary of self-help group Careers Springboard.

The group, which was formed to help redundant managers and professionals get back into work, celebrated last month.

John Poules, committee member, said: "We had a wonderful time. Lots of old friends came and those who were looking for jobs were able to network with previous members."

Mr Poules said the group had mailed more than 400 invitations and many former members, now working as far afield as Scotland, the USA and Russia, had written to say they were sorry they couldn't attend.

The event, on July 23, held at the voluntary organisation's regular meeting place at St Andrew's Church Hall in Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, was also an occasion to thank past chairman David McMullan for his seven-year stint and the Rev David Witts and the church for the free use of the hall.

Mr McMullan was presented with an engraved silver photo frame and Mr Witts was given a new cassette recorder.

Careers Springboard, a registered charity, holds meetings throughout the year on a Monday evening, except during August and December.

The meetings cover topics such as networking, email for job search and telephone techniques.

Mr Poules said although people mainly wanted general advice, there was also the facility to provide professional counselling if necessary.

One noticeable change this year had been the increase in the number of younger people, mainly former employees from dot.com and IT companies. In the past few years the emphasis had been on the over 50s manager.

More information is available on Careers Springboard's website at www.freespace.virgin.net/careers.springboard