TUC and voluntary organisations say that a 'Community Day' would help boost and celebrate the unpaid work already going on in the UK as well as bringing communities together.

Campaigners say this may be of interest to Gordon Brown who has already said he would like to see a national day to celebrate 'Britishness' and a letter has been sent to him and other politicians.

The TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said this would be "a great opportunity" for Gordon Brown as the new up and coming Prime Minister as to make "a mark in history".

Barber added "It will encourage more community involvement, celebrate our shared values as a nation, and help meet the holiday gap between Britain and the rest of Europe, but in a constructive way."

According to Dame Elisabeth Hoodless Executive Director of CSV a volunteering and training charity said research had shown 11 million people would volunteer in Britain if they were asked.

Elisabeth Hoodles added this would be "An excellent way to involve them to reduce crime, boost health, protect the environment and help young people to read and write"

Volunteering in England is worth more than £40 billion a year.

Chief Executive Christopher Spence of Volunteering England said it would be an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by people, unpaid, to their communities.