Big thanks to all those who work so selflessly

The unpaid help by 29 selfless members of the community was recognised with certificates which praised their valuable efforts and exceptional commitment.

Some individuals had given 40-plus years of their lives to organisations. Among the groups represented were the housebound readers' service, Bognor Beavers for elderly, visually-impaired people, Girlguiding, Sammy Community Transport and the Arun Sports Association for the Disabled.

The presentations were the centrepiece of an activity day to mark the 25th anniversary of national volunteers' week.

The ceremony at the Laburnum Centre put the focus firmly on those who

put others first week in, week out.

Among them were stalwart volunteers Audrey Price and Kate Allen MBE, who joined civic dignitaries in cutting an anniversary cake.

Mrs Price has helped the women's section of the Royal British Legion's Bognor branch for 60 of its 81 years.

Now its president, she has fulfilled a variety of roles during that devoted and unpaid service. She is also the vice-president of the Legion's county section.

"It's wonderful to get the recognition for being a volunteer," explained Mrs Price, 86, who lives in Bognor town centre.

"You carry on with what you are doing and don't think about getting anything for it. I love doing things.

I just can't sit about doing nothing. I love being with people, meeting them and having a laugh with them."

Mrs Price has also helped at the Laburnum Centre since it opened 20 years ago. Her current duties see her spend two mornings a week meeting and greeting visitors.

She said: "I speak to people as they come through the door. I also go and talk to anyone I see sitting on their own and I do what I can to help anyone."

The volunteers collected their certificates from Bognor's town mayor, Eileen Anderson, and Don Ayling, the chairman of Arun District Council.

Cllr Mrs Anderson praised the helpers. She said: "If there were more volunteers in the world, the world would be a much better place."

Cllr Ayling thanked Derek Moore, the Arun Volunteer Centre's

co-ordinator, for staging the event and his work with the voluntary sector.

"All credit should go to Derek for what he does for volunteers. He works very hard and is very dedicated," he stated.

The day's aim was also to showcase the activities of voluntary groups around the Arun district.

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