PFIZER has created a matching database for its employees, but not for those looking for romance.

The pharmaceutical giant, with UK headquarters in Sandwich, now has its own Reaching Out website, offering staff up to 500 volunteering opportunities with charities and public sector organisations.

James Graham, community relations manager at Pfizer, said: "We have designed the website as a kind of a 'matching' database, where staff and volunteering opportunities can find each other.

"It’s simple to use and, once registered, potential volunteers can search for the organisation and placement they would most like to support. There is also a facility that allows people to register existing volunteering activities.

"We are delighted with the response so far and are very proud to be helping and encouraging staff to be involved in supporting the local community."

The company developed the Reaching Out programme in support of its commitment to the community and has volunteering places listed at more than 200 groups, charities and public sector organisations.

The database has more than 500 volunteering opportunities registered, including mentoring A-level students, caring for the disabled, counselling, helping the elderly and being part of a rescue service such as the RNLI.

To support the scheme, Pfizer is giving staff who register up to five paid days a year to work with their nominated organisation.

For every person that registers with the database, Pfizer is donating 20 rehydration sachets to the charity Unicef, to help in the developing world.