Volunteers were celebrated and thanked for all their hard work at an annual awards evening.

The Volunteer Centre Dorset held the event at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester.

The annual event has become a popular feature on the local charity calendar, when the invaluable work of volunteers across the county is acknowledged and celebrated.

Recent research has revealed that the direct economic value of volunteer efforts to Dorset is in excess of £600m, with some 186,000 volunteers and 7,000 voluntary an community groups all making a vital contribution.

Sparkling evening entertainment was provided by a virtuoso performance from the internationally renowned violinist Barbara Gasior and by Dorset’s first youth folk group, Reel Dorset, who played a lively series of jigs, reels and traditional folk music.

The Master of Ceremonies, Mr Allen Knott, led the audience through the evening with great good humour and introduced the special guests, who presented some 48 awards to individuals and groups.

Lady Emma Fellowes, patron of The Volunteer Centre Dorset, presented to the Volunteer Groups of the Year and HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Cambell Esq. presented the awards for Volunteers of the Year and for Young Volunteers.

Both special guests spoke warmly of their pride and pleasure in attending this wonderful occasion and of the commitment and incredible work which all volunteers, whether receiving awards or not, offer every day. Joe Langtree from Room to Reward was delighted to give away two hotel breaks, as prizes, to two lucky award winners, whom he described as “hidden heroes”. Finally, Sue Fleet, chairman of trustees at The Volunteer Centre Dorset, presented the Community Award for Volunteering to the Aster Group. She spoke of the huge value of volunteering to the community and her appreciation not only for the work of volunteers, but of those who offer opportunities and support them.

The Volunteer Centre Dorset is part of a national network of volunteer centres that help organisations recruit and manage their volunteers.

To get involved, or if you would like more information about becoming a trustee, visit www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk or call into the office on Acland Road, Dorchester.