Big-hearted New Addington residents have clocked up nearly 1,000 hours of helping their fellow neighbours in a community scheme which uses good deeds as a currency.

Since its Time Bank scheme was launched in April 2005, 967 hours of volunteer time has been exchanged in New Addington.

The voluntary project has been so successful in New Addington, organisers are hoping to launch a similar one on the Shrublands Estate in Shirley.

People who give up spare time to help a neighbour earn credits' for someone to return the favour.

Services on offer at the New Addington Time Bank include pet care, gardening, guitar tuition, IT support, childcare, befriending service, ironing, DIY and decorating.

Time Bank is part-funded through Croydon Council's housing department, but the funding is due to come to an end in November.

To raise money - and to mark the success of the scheme - organisers are holding a Time Bank fun day on Saturday, September 9, at the Goldcrest Centre on Goldcrest Way.

The event, which will feature a barbecue, bouncy castle, stalls and tombola, will take place between 1pm and 4pm.

For more information about local Time Bank schemes, contact Alison Paule on 01689 848 600 or email newaddingtontimebank@yahoo.co.uk