Awards for Beacon Centre for the Blind volunteers
A 92-year-old fundraiser are among the volunteers who have been honoured by a Black Country charity for their efforts.
Mary Martin, who has been raising funds for the Beacon Centre for the Blind for 20 years, was presented with a long-service award during a ceremony at the charity's headquarters in Sedgley.
Chief executive Arwyn Jones Said the charity supported more than 3,000 people each year, and it would not be possible without the dedicated army of volunteers.
Also honoured were Janet Sharpe who has clocked up 30 years in the catering team and Jane Bood who has helped out with community social groups for more than three decades.
Jane Oakley has also helped with fundraising for 20 years, and Irene Bryan has tended the Bilston charity shop for more than two decades.
Mr Jones added: "Between them, these five ladies have given us more than 120 years of service, so it is fitting that we recognise their incredible contribution, along with a number of other volunteers who have each helped out for over ten years. Their combined contribution is extraordinary and we applaud them."
Philip Scott, who has worked at the centre's charity shop five days a week for the past six years, won the Retail Volunteer of the Year title, for his efforts, which even included cleaning the charity's vans.
Winner of the Beacon Centre Volunteer Award was Chris Guy, who has been helping out across all the charity's head office departments since joining in 2012.
Mr Jones urged anyone able to help out to get in touch.
"Volunteering is a fabulous activity – not only benefiting the charity but also the individual as they gain experience, skills, social interaction and a tremendous sense of satisfaction as they give something back to their community," he said.
For more details of how to help, please see the website www.beacon4blind.co.uk or telephone 01902 880111.
