PEOPLE who give their time freely to ensure the smooth running of one of the UK's leading museums were rewarded for their hard work and dedication yesterday.
The National Railway Museum in York estimates its 167-strong volunteer army is worth about £350,000 a year.
Together, they work about 35,000 hours a year and, between them, boast a total of 903 years' service. Some help with guided tours, some with cataloguing exhibits, some work in the gardens and some work in 'front-of-house' roles.
"The roll call of skills and wealth of experience our volunteers bring to the museum is incredible,'' said museum chief Andrew Scott.
"We have accountants, engineers, former British Rail boilersmiths - even a banker.
"But, above all, the thing which really stands out is their enthusiasm and dedication - and it is impossible to put a price on that.''
The Gibb Theatre at the museum hosted yesterday's ceremony where long service awards were given out.
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