A HOSPITAL volunteer has urged others to get involved and help staff.

All of the volunteers who contribute to Basildon Hospital enjoyed afternoon tea as a thank you from the staff.

About 50 went along on Fridat. Among them was Ashton Watts, 82, who joined Basildon University Hospital back in 1980.

He said: “I managed central stores where we accepted goods and deliveries for Basildon Hospital.” Ashton retired aged 70, in 2005. But after five weeks he was back on his old stomping ground as a volunteer. He said: “Volunteering keeps me from sitting at home. I enjoyed my time here and I still enjoy working. If anyone was thinking of volunteering, I would encourage them. E-mail dawn.haigh@btuh.nhs.uk to volunteer.