volunteers from Haslemere joined more than 200 fellow pillars of the community across the borough of Waverley at a special reception at Charterhouse School, in Godalming.

Waverley Mayor Chris Storey thanked those attending for the vital contribution they make to the borough. He mentioned a recent national prosperity study that placed Waverley top out of 389 local authorities, and praised volunteers for helping achieve that result.

Mr Storey said: “Volunteers make a significant difference to people’s lives across Waverley and the annual mayor’s reception is a way for us to meet them face to face, acknowledge their contribution and thank them for all their hard work. It is also a way for volunteers from different parts of the borough to meet each other.”

Waverley’s volunteers lead good neighbour schemes, run community centres, provide transport for elderly and disabled, and run sports schemes and walking for health schemes across the borough. They provide advice through Waverley’s Citizens’ Advice Bureaus, support families through Home-Start and represent council tenants in Waverley.

Surrey Volunteer Fire Service relies on Waverley support, as do museums, galleries and conservation schemes across the borough. Proving you are never too young to start, are all the Scouts and Guides, who regularly volunteer their services.