VOLUNTEERS from Ludlow are among the 114 people who have just been presented with Long Service Awards by Hope House Children’s Hospices.

Recognition has been given to the people that enable the charity to provide help to families in Ludlow and south Shropshire facing the most difficult of circumstances.

The charity has more than 600 volunteers who regularly give their time to help out in its charity shops, at fundraising events and as part of the Friends Group network, and at the charity’s two hospices Hope House in Oswestry and Tŷ Gobaith in Conwy.

People from Ludlow give up their time and effort to help the charity that is available to offer support when it is most needed 24 hours a day and 365 days a year

This year, two special ceremonies were held at Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith to present the awards which ranged from three to 25 years.

After hearing from senior staff about the impact their volunteering has on the children and families who rely on the hospice services, the volunteers were given behind the scenes tours.

“Time is the most precious commodity,” chief executive Andy Goldsmith, told guests.

“By choosing to give your time to Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith you make it possible for us to raise the money needed to support and care for local children with life-threatening conditions. We cannot thank you enough for your gift of time.”

Amongst the award winners were:

Church Stretton Friends Group: Sue Jones and Daphne Rankine (both 10 years).

Church Stretton Shop: Barbara Holden, Margaret Tomlins and Denise Woodhouse (all five years).

Ludlow Friends Group: Kathleen Norgrove (15), Marilyn Heath (10) and Bridget Nye (5).

Ludlow Shop: Jenny Throssell, Hazel Smout and Pat Jones (all 15), Ann Moody (10) and Angela Griffiths (3).

Trustees Phil Inch and Janette Welch (25 years).