TWO volunteers held in "great affection" and appreciated by generations of family members have been recognised for their long service to a child health clinic.

Joan Jones supported the health visitors at Cookley Village Hall for 50 years and Lilias Facer for more than 40 years.

Their roles included helping to weigh babies and record the details in each baby's red book.

Marion Slade-Boulter was also commended for carrying out the "vital task" of ensuring the hall was ready for the clinic and serving the refreshments, which she has done for more than five years.

Tina McKenzie, health visitor at Kidderminster Health Centre, said: "We wanted to show the ladies how much we really appreciate their commitment to the child clinic.

"With their friendly, helpful approach and their sense of humour, they have made a tremendous contribution by providing a welcoming, sociable environment for the mothers, babies and children in the Cookley area."

She added: "Joan and Lilias have known many generations of families and are held in great affection by mothers, babies and staff."

Mrs Jones said: "Babies have been my life. We started helping in Cookley through the Women's Institute and at that time, in the 50s, we were distributing cod liver oil and orange juice to lots of children every week.

"These children are now grandparents themselves. I have loved my time supporting the health visitors but, most of all, cuddling the tiny babies at the clinic."

Marie McCurry, associate director of provider services, presented certificates and gifts and praised the women for their efforts.

She said: "It is not possible to measure the unique value that can be obtained from volunteers working alongside NHS professionals and they all deserve a big heartfelt thank you'."

The certificates were awarded on Tuesday last week at Kidderminster Health Centre, with health visitors, mothers and babies and representatives from Worcestershire Primary Care Trust attending.