PEOPLE who gave their time and effort to help rescue hundreds of seabirds oiled in the MSC Napoli container ship disaster have received awards from the RSPCA.

Large quantities of oil affected many sections of the Dorset coast and a huge RSPCA operation swung into action as oiled seabirds desperately dragged themselves ashore on beaches, in coves and among rocks all along the county shoreline.

The RSPCA has now paid tribute to the army of volunteers who came forward to back their efforts and make the rescue as successful as it was.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Robbie Robertson presented a number of certificates of merit to RSPCA volunteers, members of the public and representatives from other organisations in a ceremony at the Ferry Bridge Inn off Portland Road, Weymouth.

The inn itself received an award for the part it played as a vital point of contact during the disaster, dispensing help, hot food and drinks as frozen helpers stumbled in for a break from bitter conditions.

Chief Inspector Robertson said: "We are incredibly grateful to everybody who played a part in rescuing wildlife that was affected as a result of the Napoli disaster and by doing so saved the lives of hundreds of birds.

"It was very much a team effort and it is great to be able to recognise the efforts of some of the dedicated individuals that were involved by presenting them with an RSPCA certificate of merit."