MORE than 300 volunteers had their selfless efforts applauded at a celebration in Bognor Regis.
The biggest gathering of the helpers for years saw them take a well-deserved turn in the spotlight.
They came from 60 organisations around the Arun district for the occasion held by the Arun Forum on Volunteering.
Main speaker, Major Mark Scr
ase-Dickens, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, told the guests: "People talk about unsung heroes.
"I know that volunteers often prefer not to draw attention to their efforts and many would be quick to say that they don't see themselves as being in any way heroic.
"What I would say is that those people who benefit in so many different ways from the efforts of volunteers would see this very differently. To them, you are heroes and they would want to see that recognised."
Arun District Council's chairman, Cllr Graham Tyler, who has focused on volunteers in his year of office, also thanked all those present for their unpaid efforts.
He presented a certificate of thanks to each of the organisations present. All volunteers who had been named by them will receive a framed certificate in the coming weeks.
The celebration was held at the Reds venue in Butlins which was provided free of charge along with the buffet by resort director Jeremy Pardey on behalf of Butlins.
Musical entertainment was provided by the Rother Valley Swing band. A free raffle featured 26 prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
The full article contains 252 words and appears in OS-Bognor Observer newspaper.
