THE HARD work and enthusiasm of a number of local volunteers was recognised at a ceremony at Tavistock Wharf.

Making the presentations was Jan Simpson, manager of the Council for Voluntary Services and also present was Judy Pride, trustee and community development worker.

Sandra Johnson of CHICKS, the Milton Abbot-based charity Country Holidays for Inner City Kids, (right) received one of the heart-shaped certificates — chosen as the event coincided with St Valentine's Day.

Among the other CHICKs volunteers recognised were Joanne Cassidy, Denise Cassidy, Peter Davie, Ann Davies, Gemma Davies, Marc Huggins and Rosie Williams.

Volunteers from other charities who were recognised included Anita Vanstone (Dartmoor prison creche), Phyl Laver (Disabled Fellowship), Joy Leach (Leonard Cheshire Enablement Scheme), Nick Jenkins and Sue Morris (Music Box), Martin Pritchard and Alison Williams (National Trust), Jan Roper (Derriford Hospital) and Patricia Gould and Helen Smith (Tavistock Adult Better Skills Unit)

Thanks were also expressed to the volunteers of the Tavistock and District Conservation Project, particularly its treasurer George Swayne, Theresa Tinton (Tavistock CVS), Sandra Johnson (assistant district commissioner of West Devon District Scouts), Sheila Royle (WRVS), Sue Stephens (West Devon Victim Support) and Andy Norman (The Wharf).