VOLUNTEERS were hailed in Ellesmere Port on Monday evening.

Local charities and community organisations and the volunteers that help them deliver services throughout the region flocked to the town’s civic centre to receive their certificates.

Each volunteer had achieved a minimum of 100 hours unpaid voluntary work, giving their time to help local community groups and charities.

The organisations provide valuable resources to the community and all of them rely on volunteers, sometimes wholly, to run their services.

There is a varied range of volunteering opportunities and the age of volunteers ranged from teenagers to pensioners.

Entertainment was provided by Dee Signing Choir prior to the presentations.

The presentations were made by the mayor, Councillor Gareth Anderson, who presented the 240 certificates to 20 organisations and personally to more than 50 volunteers.

Three people received special paperweights to acknowledge 25 years of volunteering.

Ruth Spicer and Edna Woolley, from Oasis Centre for Young People, and Mike Burton, from Ellesmere Port Panthers, received the award to thank them for the 25 years they had each given to the community.

A new award for volunteers supporting and helping children and young people, sponsored by Ellesmere Port and Neston Association of Voluntary and Community Organisations (EPNAVCO), was presented for the first time.

Eight volunteers, who contribute to the lives of young people and children in Elles- mere Port, were nominated for The Enid Hester award. The trophy celebrates the life of Enid Hester and the impact she had on young people living in Ellesmere Port over a 40 year period.

The panel selected Mike Burton for the award. Mike has helped to establish and run the Ellesmere Panthers and Chester Jets. He knew Enid personally when he established the basket ball teams in Ellesmere Port and Enid helped him find premises.

Liz Ledsham, from EPNAVCO, said “We hope that the event held during National Volunteer Week will raise awareness about the importance of volunteering in our local community.

“We can’t thank them enough for all their dedication and hard work. We would like to encourage more people to become volunteers and get involved with their local community.”

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer can apply through the www.do-it.org.uk web site or contact EPNAVCO on 0151 356 7358.