Chester volunteering heroes have been named as a regional winners in the vInspired National Awards.

The volunteers at NCS Cheshire West were collectively named regional winner for the North West in the Most Outstanding NCS Team category.

The team consisted of 14 young people from across Chester with a wide range of abilities from diverse backgrounds.

The volunteers came together to create a social action project to help one of the members of the team who was turned down for a funding bid for a new wheelchair.

They borrowed wheelchairs from the local British Red Cross and went into town, raising awareness of accessibility issues and raising funds to help their team member buy a new wheelchair as she had grown out of her old one.

Philip Crandle, NCS co-ordinator at Catch22 said: “It’s such an honour for the team to be presented with this award.

“They don’t volunteer for recognition, helping people is enough motivation. But it’s great to know that people appreciate what they do.

“It’s brilliant that these awards not only celebrate the benefits of volunteering but also inspire young people to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.”

Terry Ryall, vInspired CEO, said: “NCS Cheshire West are a complete inspiration.

“As a regional winner in the Most Outstanding NCS Team category, you need to demonstrate a complete dedication to volunteering and show how you have built positive relationships, brought people from diverse backgrounds together and strengthened communities.

“NCS Cheshire West have done all this and more and should be immensely proud of their achievements.”

Katie Llewellyn-Cripps, from RBS early careers and campus marketing, said: “We’re proud to partner with vInspired on the National Awards and it’s amazing to see the great work that volunteers such as NCS Cheshire West are doing across the country.”

Now in its fifth year, the vInspired National Awards celebrate the achievements and dedication of young volunteers and the youth workers who support them.

The regional winners will be shortlisted to national finalists in February, with the national award winners revealed at a star-studded awards ceremony at the Indig02 in London on March 27.