A WOMAN from Sourton is among the top volunteers in Devon to be awarded for their volunteering services by Devon County Council?s Community Transport Volunteer Awards. Helen Alford, a driver for Okehampton District Community Transport Group, was honoured for her dedication at a civic reception last Friday. She was presented with an award designed to recognise the achievements of the unsung heroes and heroines who have made significant, individual contributions to community transport in their area. Helen was one of 12 successful nominees invited by chairman of Devon County Council Cllr Des Shadrick to celebrate the important and valuable work carried out by community transport volunteers across the county. Judy Pride from the Okehampton transport group, who proposed the nomination, said Helen is a loyal and committed volunteer. Her warm friendly and compassionate disposition make her a good driver. The Okehampton transport group?s co-ordinator, Sandra Hucker, said: ?Helen is a caring and considerate person, and goes above and beyond the call of duty.? The group was recently contacted by a passenger?s daughter who said what a ?tonic? Helen had been to her mother by being kind and spending extra time with her, and walking the passenger around the close where she lives. ?It?s the little things like this which mean a great deal to people,? said Sandra: ?We are obviously very pleased for Helen. It was difficult to choose one particular volunteer because of all their hard work, but we felt Helen particularly deserved it because of the feedback we have received.?
