EXCEPTIONAL volunteers were honoured at an awards ceremony at Uxbridge College.

The winners of the Hillingdon Volunteer Awards were announced at an event hosted by Hillingdon Council, Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services, Hillingdon Inter Faith Network, Dovetail Community Outreach and the college.

Tracy Johnson, Volunteer Centre manager for Hillingdon AVS, said the aim of the awards was to highlight the remarkable impact of volunteer heroes.

“It was a wonderful celebratory evening which perfectly illustrated the amazing diversity of volunteering which is taking place across the borough,” she added.

The Rev Reg Craig, of Hillingdon Baptist Church, was the compere.

He said: “These people are the oil on the cogs of our community in Hillingdon and deserve to be recognised for their unselfish work.”

The Mayor, Cllr Michael Markham, said he hoped the inspirational stories would encourage more people to make a difference by volunteering in their communities. The winners were:

Donald Kay, Community Governor at Hayes Park School, was presented with the Education Award for his significant contributions to the pupils and culture of the school.

Community Award to Catherine Fitzgerald for her contribution to the witness service.

Hillingdon Musical Society volunteer Kerry Bowers received the Art and Culture Award for her work with the society’s summer schools.

Young Volunteer Award to Abigail Tessema for running the befriending Hillingdon Unaccompanied Minors Project at Hillingdon Refugee Support Group.
 
Valarie Copenhagen received the Inspiring Young People Award for her role of Division Senior Section Adviser at county level with Girl Guiding UK.

Team Award to the leaders at Walk Hillingdon.

Lifelong Achievement Award, to mark the Queen's Jubilee, to Joan Davis for her outstanding contribution to the community for more than 20 years.