HOSPITAL volunteers have been recognised for their long service to their communities at a special ceremony earlier today (Thursday, January 17).

WRVS volunteers were invited to the University Hospital of North Durham for official recognition of their contribution.

Over the years they have staffed shops and tea rooms as well offering patients a friendly face to talk to.

They were presented with their awards by David McCullough, chief executive of WRVS, and Sue Jacques, chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Ms Jacques said: “I'm delighted to be presenting these awards for long service to some of our committed volunteers.

“The WRVS shop and coffee bars offer a valuable service to our patients and visitors, and the WRVS trolley can be a bit of a lifeline to patients confined to a hospital bed. The trust is hugely grateful for their support.”