THE dedication of more than 50 volunteers was recognised at an awards ceremony this week.
Thursday's event, hosted by Durham County Council, saw 59 volunteers receive medals from Sir Paul Nicholson and TV agony aunt Denise Robertson, for their involvement in a wide range of activities such as fundraising, mentoring, sports coaching, youth work and administration.
This years themes are Young People and Employee Volunteering, with award categories including innovation, commitment, inspiration and impact.
Denise Robertson described them as "the glue of society" and said that thanks to volunteers, our neighbourhoods are better places in which to live and work.
It is estimated 60 per cent of adults already take part in a voluntary activity and the Government is calling for more to start volunteering.
In County Durham, there are about 33,000 volunteers devoting 3.9 million hours to voluntary work each year.
Anyone wanting to find out more about volunteering can contact Durham County Council Community Development Team on 0191-384 4252.
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