The 'unsung heroes' of Reigate and Banstead borough have been recognised for their dedication and contribution to the community at the Mayor’s Voluntary Awards 2012.

Held at Reigate Town Hall, the award ceremony saw the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Roger Newstead, praise the work and efforts of the volunteers assembled and present them with framed certificates to mark their commitment and contribution to the borough. The 13 awards comprised seven for individual volunteers, two for young volunteers, two team awards and two trustee awards, with some of those recognised having given the equivalent of nearly 60 years of service to the voluntary sector. Coun Newstead said: “I am always impressed by the number of people who volunteer to help in many different activities in the borough and in the quality of the work they do.

“However, more volunteers are needed, particularly to help the elderly and as leaders in our youth organisations.”

He added: “I hope that the success of the volunteers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games focuses attention on volunteering and brings in more recruits. This could be an unanticipated legacy of the Games."

It was the ninth annual Mayor’s Volunteer Awards since the scheme was introduced by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council in partnership with Reigate and Banstead Voluntary Service.

Des Shepherd, manager of Reigate and Banstead Voluntary Service, said: “Volunteers play an extremely important role in the community and it is wonderful when that role is celebrated and recognised. Congratulations to everyone who received an award.”

He said: “These are hard working people who sacrifice their time to improve the borough. “They are often unsung heroes in our community. We are always in need of more volunteers like those recognised by the Mayor’s Volunteer Awards.” The Young Volunteer Awards were presented to Katie Nash of St John’s Ambulance, Redhill, and Alicia Newman of Reigate and Redhill Live at Home Scheme.

Individual Volunteer Awards were presented to Jack Parker of Radio Redhill, Brian Legg of Horley Crusaders, Karen Tilford-Carey of The Pathfinder Beaver Colony in Horley, Frank Ware of the Friends of East Surrey Hospital, Michael Leonard and Yvonne Larg of East Surrey Talking Newspaper, and John Gilford of St John’s Ambulance, Surrey District Division.

Volunteer Team Awards were presented to the Volunteer Chef Team at Reigate and Redhill Live at Home Scheme, and Team Myers at Reigate and Redhill YMCA, while Trustee Awards were presented to The Trustee Team of The Woodhatch Centre, Reigate, and Nigel Gray of Radio Redhill.