THE National Trust's Buckland Abbey last week presented a long service award — to its youngest volunteer.

Buckland Abbey has a team of more than 250 volunteers working in various capacities, from room guides to gardeners, and at the end of the 2011 season several of them qualified for long service awards.

Kyanna Fritz was given a five-year service badge, having been part of the team at the Abbey since she was just seven years old.

From performing as a Christmas Elf to dressing in period costume and group guiding, Kyanna enjoys coming to work as much as the staff enjoy having her there.

Heather Worth, volunteering and community involvement advisor for the South West, said: 'Kyanna is a real inspiration to other young people. I'm thrilled we are celebrating her five years of volunteering at Buckland Abbey — it is a shining example of a property which welcomes young people and the local community.'

As well as Kyanna, a host of five, ten, 15 and 20-year badges were awarded, and Anne Whitbourn achieved the impressive 25-year anniversary.

Pat Lovell, visitor services officer said: 'It's always wonderful to commend long service. The dedication of our team of volunteers is incredible, and we would never be able to provide such great visitor experiences without them.'

For more information about becoming a volunteer at the Abbey, contact Pat Lovell on 01822 853607, or come along to the next recruitment day on March 13 at 2pm.