THE Mayor of Southend recognised the work of volunteers with a tea party at his official residence.

Southend mayor Chris Walker presented certificates to 65 volunteers from Southend Association of Voluntary Services (Savs) at Porters, the civic residence in Southchurch Road, Southend.

Staff from Savs, which is based in Alexandra Street, waited on the volunteers with tea and cakes as a sign of their appreciation and each team leader said a few words of thanks.

The volunteers help out at various projects across the town, from Triple T’s children’s club to Safe as Houses, which works with the town’s elderly.

They also help in the Savs charity shop as well as in the reception and volunteer centre.

Daniel Turpin from Savs said: “Many charities like Savs depend on the enthusiasm and skills that volunteers bring and holding a volunteer thank you event is just one way of showing howmuch they are valued and appreciated.”

For more information about volunteering call the Volunteer Centre Southend on 01702 356060, or go to www.savs-southend.org