Weston Hospicecare volunteers Cream Tea awards

Volunteers who give their time to help Weston Hospicecare have been recognised for their efforts.

The Uphill-based charity cares for terminally ill people and relies on the support of volunteers.

Each year the charity hosts its annual Cream Tea volunteer awards to thank all those involved.

This year's event was held at the Commodore Hotel in Kewstoke and saw the charity's patron, BBC Points West newsreader Chris Vacher present awards.

The awards were given in recognition of five years' service, 10, 15 and for the first time 20 years.

Liz Rees, volunteer and training manager for Weston Hospicecare, said: "The annual Cream Tea is our chance to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who work so hard for us and really help keep the hospice running.

"They help out in so many ways, here at the hospice and in our 11 shops.

"As this year is the 20th anniversary of the hospice, we are able to recognise volunteers who have been with us from the very start and have 20 years with us.

"A hospice like ours relies on its volunteers and the support from others.

"We could not have put this event on without the generosity of the Commodore Hotel, which gave us a special rate for the day.

"Suppliers such as Lidl, Yeo Valley and Manor Balloons have also helped to make it possible and I would like to thank the Weston Group of Friends which has supplied the PA system for the day."

The charity has 490 volunteers in total who help to keep the hospice running by performing a variety of roles from working on reception, to gardening and administration as well as backing up the clinical experts by providing vital support for patients.