The spirit of volunteerism remains alive and well in Ireland - with one-in-four people saying they would be happy to help out in the event of a severe storm, flood or freezing weather.

Research by the Irish Red Cross has found more than 70% of adults would consider volunteering to help those in need in their community.

A survey of 1,000 people showed that the trend is particularly high among women aged 18 to 34 - while willingness to help the elderly is highest in Dublin.

The Irish Red Cross has opened up nominations for their National Humanitarian Awards to the public and Secretary General Deirdre Garvey has invited people to get involved.

“In relation to climate action and helping out after a storm in a flood event or freezing weather, a quarter of all adults said that they were particularly interested in this area,” she said.

“Interestingly, for male respondents, a third were particularly interested in helping in that area.”

Ms Garvey said there are a range of categories in the National Humanitarian Awards and encouraged the public to “nominate somebody whose good deeds matter”.

A smiling volunteer hands an elderly man a box of groceries. Image: Alamy