GENEROUS volunteers were recognised at a special awards ceremony in Castle Point.

Residents who give up their time for organisations ranging from from the Sea Scouts to wildlife groups were honoured at the Castle Point Volunteer of the Year awards.

A panel of judges had a tough job deciding award winners from about 50 nominees.

In the end they gave the most prestigious honour, the Mayor's Award, to Phoenix Club stalwart Eddie Stacey.

Unfortunately, by the time the Mayor's award was announced Mr Stacey had left the ceremony in the Runnymede Hall, Thundersley for another engagement.

He was recognised for his long service to the Phoenix Club, which he runs at the Paddocks, in Long Road, Canvey, for mentally and physically disabled people.

He also appears as Eddie the Clown, working across south Essex to raise funds for charity.

Norman Ladzrie, Castle Point mayor, said: "All the volunteers do a wonderful job and they are the unsung heroes of our community.

"Mr Stacey has done continuously good work over many years for a good cause."

The Ann Joad award, for volunteers under 25 went to 17-year-old Michelle Buckley.

Michelle, of Hart Road, Thundersley, has been working with Brownies and Girl Guides for years and recently started her own Rainbow Guides group for children over five.

She said: "From when I was born my mum has always been a guide leader so she got me involved.

"I just enjoy working with young people. In the Guides you work together as a team.

"We have parties and it's great. We also have thinking days where you get together and think about the promise you've made.

"You also meet new people around the area and people from different schools. It's just good fun."

The event was organised by Mr Lazdrie, Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services and former mayor, Beverley Egan.

Robert Gray, head of volunteers for the association, said: "The voluntary sector in Castle Point is healthy.

"We have probably about 160 groups we are in touch with.

"We run a brokering service to set people up with opportunities, but we can always do with more volunteers.

"Volunteers are people who are really doing something special, so it's nice to recognise and celebrate them."

* To find out about becoming a volunteer in Castle Point, call 01268 638416, or e-mail castlepointvc@btconnect.com