AN EDUCATION centre on the Jurassic Coast - which recently won a seal of approval from The Princess Royal - is urging the public to volunteer.

A rallying call has been made for members of the public to join the team at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (CHCC).

This follows the centre's success of being recognised for its scientific and environmental work by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS).

A small group of trustees, patrons and Friends of CHCC were finally given the green light to attend a ceremony in December last year at the society's HQ in Kensington, London, where Princess Anne presented the award for facilitating fieldwork and encouraging scientific engagement within the community to centre manager Alison Ferris.

The centre's award was in recognition for the centre's scientific and environmental work – a year-and-a-half after the news of the accolade was first announced. The CHCC's resident professor Jim Rose, along with Ms Ferris, attended the ceremony at the RGS headquarters.

Spokeswoman for CHCC, Lin Scully said: "The award acknowledges the achievements of the centre in advancing the education of the public in the geology, paleontology, geomorphology and natural history of the Jurassic Coast and adjacent areas at Charmouth.

"As well as fossil walks for the public and schools, the centre runs geography and geomorphology sessions for schools and higher education.

"There are also community-based beach cleans, seashore events and activities for those wishing to be involved in 'citizen science'.

"The centre is constantly evolving with new exhibits of spectacular fossils - and entry is always free.

Ms Scully said the recruitment of volunteers is ongoing, and volunteering at the centre is proving to be a popular choice for people from the local area and further afield.

Charmouth volunteers recently won their own Queen's Award - the most prestigious for a voluntary group.

Ms Scully added: "The centre's family is friendly and welcoming with support and training given.

"Duties involve accompanying public and school groups on fossil walks, and manning the entrance and desk of the centre itself - and there are social events for volunteers and staff. take place throughout the year."

To find out more and to get involved visit: www.charmouth.org