Volunteers thanked for their dedication (From Echo)

Volunteers thanked for their dedication

3:57pm Tuesday 12th June 2007 in

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STALWART volunteers who tirelessly work in the community have been honoured at a garden party.

The annual Castle Point Volunteer Awards were announced during a garden party for 160 people, hosted by the Mayor of Castle Point, Beverley Egan.

The event, held at the home of Richard Reeves, in Vicarage Hill, Benfleet, was a chance for local volunteers to be thanked publicly for all their hard work.

Mrs Egan presented the awards, which were decided by a panel including the current and previous year's mayors as well as representatives from the voluntary and business sectors.

Robert Gray, from Castle Point Volunteer Centre, said: "The time volunteers give willingly and freely makes a huge difference to our community and without volunteers like these many services that are taken for granted would not be able to operate.

"As well as thanking volunteers who give their time, we hope this will raise awareness of the opportunities for people to give something back to their community."

Edith Hayes, of Furtherwick Road, Canvey, won the Mayor's Award.

Edith, 83, has been a volunteer at Furtherwick Park School for the past nine years. She helps in the library every morning and lunchtime.

She also helps with reading and practicing writing skills and helps pupils find information for their homework.

James Fairman, 14, won the Ann Joad Award for a volunteer under the age of 25.

James who attends Castle View School, has raised more than £1,500 for charity.

He chairs the Breakthrough panel which looks at ways to improve the community.

He performed a Simpsons Rap in school assemblies in aid of Wheelchairs for the disabled.

Grahame Ash, of Woodside Avenue, Benfleet, won the Valerie Wells Award.

Grahame has been a member of the Castle Point Wildlife Group since 2000 and has become its driving force over the years.

A spokesman for the volunteer centre said Grahame brings a dedication and a determination to get things done.