AS Scooby Doo, Tigger and a big red tomato set off over the Humber Bridge, one woman had played a big part organising the charity walk.

Volunteer Jane Taylor had not been at Macmillan Cancer Support very long, but she had been instrumental in running the event, staged earlier this year.

Just weeks before, the 51-year-old had become one of 400 workers in Willerby, Hessle and Anlaby, who were made redundant by finance firm Cattles.

The mum-of-two would not be beaten though.

She became one of a new breed of workers who are volunteering their way back into employment during the recession.

Earlier this month, Jane, of Willerby, started a new job at East Riding Council after they were impressed by the skills she demonstrated whilst volunteering at Macmillan.

She said: "I was put on 'garden leave' at Cattles during a 90-day consultation period.

"I couldn't get a new job during that time because it would have affected my redundancy pay.

"I decided to volunteer because I didn't want to stagnate.

"I wanted to stay motivated for when I did re-enter employment and I thought it would also be a good reference.

"It shows that you haven't been sat at home."

For eight weeks, Jane helped with fundraising, arranged events and carried out administrative work at the office in Beverley.

She said: "It gave me such a sense of achievement and it gave me a reason to get up in the morning."

It was also Jane's meal ticket back to work, as she demonstrated her work ethic and commitment.

As part of the Mail's Bounce Back campaign, we are promoting opportunities to help yourself during the recession.

Macmillan fundraising manager Robyn Mountain Wade believes volunteering is a great way to help both the community and yourself.

She said: "This was a chance for Jane to do something for charity like she had always wanted to do, but also enhance her CV.

"She was amazing for us. I don't think we could have done the walk without that extra pair of hands.

"She had such fantastic corporate skills."

Hull Community and Voluntary Service (CVS) said the number of enquiries about volunteering has shot up by 21 per cent in the last year.

Volunteer manager Tom Grealy said: "Volunteering can be a great way to try out a completely different career which you may be interested in.

"We get a lot of people wanting to help in schools to see if they would like to go into teaching.

"It's a great way to build your CV and have hands-on experience."

Placements range from puppy trainer to gardener, sports coach to interpreter, shop worker to youth worker.

Mr Grealy said: "We work with 300 charities and organisations so there is a suitable placement for everyone.

"You can work in Hull's museums or art galleries, or you could help an older person with IT skills."

Placements range from puppy trainer to gardener, sports coach to interpreter, shop worker to youth worker.

Dave Sinclair, 56, of Hessle, began volunteering at Hull CVS as an advisor when he was made redundant from his engineering post a few years ago.

He said: "I couldn't go back to engineering because of ill-health, but I was getting under my wife's feet at home and becoming a bit depressed.

"Volunteering made a huge difference to me. I thoroughly enjoy it and meet so many people, but I have also picked up so many skills."

In fact, in a recent national survey, a quarter of volunteers said their placement had improved their employment prospects.

Volunteer support worker Dee Ingram, at Hull's Citizens' Advice Bureau, has taken on several volunteers who have recently been made redundant.

They are currently looking for volunteers in Goole, Bridlington and Hull.

She said: "If you are out of work, volunteering here is a great opportunity.

"We offer a comprehensive training scheme which leads to a certificate and you learn lots of skills which employers are looking for.

"It shows dedication and discipline.

"Volunteering is also a way of getting your confidence back."

For more information, call (01482) 324474) or e-mail vc@hull-cvs.co.uk