CHAMPION volunteers were recognised for their hard work and commitment at South West Lakes Trust's ninth annual Volunteer Awards recently.

Each year the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity appreciates the invaluable help of volunteers with awards for the most dedicated volunteers.

Volunteers of South West Lakes Trust and Wheal Martyn Trust from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset performed presentations of their work which was a real cross section of the work that the charities carry out, including conservation, fishing, water sport tuition, and other work.

Martin Ross, environmental manager for South West Water presented the awards. He said: 'The conservation volunteers' work around the lakes is very much appreciated by South West Water. It is important to know that stewardship of the land is in good hands — SWLT works hard to organise volunteering activities and the results are clear. The volunteers' enthusiasm is very evident and important — good housekeeping of the environment helps to maintain good water quality, so vital to SWW.'

Evelyn Stacey, director of South West Lakes Trust, said: 'We'd like to go one stage further and thank those volunteers publicly who do a tremendous amount to support our aims. Many volunteers have helped in countless ways over the last decade or so.

'Our charity would not be half as successful without our volunteers.'

To commemorate the posthumous award, which was awarded to Michael Croucher, a volunteer who helped at Burrator and died last year, an oak tree was planted by Lakeside in the celebration garden in his memory.

Voluntary work is a great opportunity to gain experience and access training opportunities.

For more information about volunteering opportunities for South West Lakes Trust contact 01566 771930 or email [email protected]">[email protected]