STAR volunteers from across Somerset were recognised for their commitment at awards ceremonies last week.

As part of National Volunteers Week celebrations, voluntary organisations and members of the public were asked to nominate their ‘Somerset Star’ volunteers who deserve special recognition for the voluntary work they do.

More than 100 nominations were received with winners for each district awarded the prestigious award as part of the Volunteers’ Week celebrations.

In Taunton Deane, the celebration took place at the North Street Church, on Wednesday, June 8, where local groups were also able to promote their volunteering opportunities.

The individual Star Volunteer 2016 for Taunton Deane was named as Sylvia Twine.

Sylvia is a volunteer visitor at Musgrove Park Hospital and was nominated by Audrey Mansfield, who said:

“Sylvia is 85 years old and has volunteered at Musgrove Park Hospital for many years, sitting with elderly, vulnerable, or lonely patients to keep them company and chat with them. She is always happy and smiling and is a breath of fresh air.

“Sylvia also supports other elderly people in her area, supports lots of voluntary events and organisations, and is always on hand to offer a smile and some help.”

The award for Star Group went to the Mindline Helpline volunteers, an out of hours helpline in Somerset that is a confidential listening service providing a safe place to talk.

“Mindline Somerset volunteers are really special. They are just everyday people like you or I, who decide they can offer their time and support to listen to others," said Linda Lang, who nominated the group.

Meanwhile in West Somerset the ceremony was held at Minehead’s Beach Hotel on Friday, June 10 where the environmental award was awarded to Kevin Snewing, who volunteers with the Exmoor National Park Path Watchers.

Kevin was nominated by Ceri Rapsey, who said: “Kevin is a fantastic volunteer, who is so passionate and dedicated to making Exmoor’s rights of way the best in the country."

The individual Star Volunteer 2016 for West Somerset was awarded to Beverley Harratt, who volunteers in Williton, at The Children’s Centre and at the River Employment Hub.

Tracey Bland, who nominated her, said: “Apart from her work at the Children’s Centre, she has been instrumental in recruiting volunteers for the Employment Hub, where 47 clients have been supported so far, with seven achieving full-time work.”

The award for the Star Group went to Watchet’s Phoenix Centre Volunteers which provides a huge variety of activities including weekly lunch clubs; stroke club; knit and natter, and many more.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, Chairman of Somerset County Council said; “It is fantastic that we can recognise just a few of our dedicated volunteers with these awards.

"Volunteers are Somerset’s unsung heroes that do so much without asking for anything in return and I would personally like to thank all volunteers for their work.”