THE new Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane honoured volunteers who give up their time to support local charities.

The first citizen of Basing-stoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner, presented certificates and personally thanked 41 volunteers who dedicate their time to help at a range of local charities and voluntary groups.

The ceremony was organised by the Basingstoke Voluntary Services (BVS), and held at the Civic Offices, in London Road.

Those recognised included volunteers from the Camrose Centre, which supports homeless people, The Fire Fighters Charity, Basingstoke Young Carers and Basingstoke Citizens Advice Bureau.

Sarah Robinson, volunteer centre manager at BVS, said: “This year, our youngest recipient was 11 and our oldest 89.

“All the volunteers were receiving a well-deserved thank you for the organisations they volunteer for – some people have given many years of their lives to a particular cause.

“We are delighted to help charities and voluntary groups to recognise the achievements of their volunteers in this way, and to work in partnership with Sainsbury’s, which donated a generous buffet in recognition of the importance of volunteering to the local community.”

Cllr Gardiner said: “I was very impressed by the wide range of activities which were being shown, and the age range of those involved.

“It is good to see youngsters involved, and it is good to see that it is not being left to the older generation to pick up the burden of supporting charities.”

If you are interested in volunteering, please email BVS at or call 01256 423850.