Hospice volunteers, including a group with 300 years’ service between them, were celebrated for their hard work and dedication at a tea party event.

Gardeners, drivers, therapists, receptionists and a whole host of other volunteers who help to run St Helena Hospice were rewarded with the thank you event at Colchester Town Hall.

Guests were welcomed by a magician before enjoying a high tea and 1940s-style music from the Vintage Lipstick Ladies.

Among those recognised at the event were 10 volunteers who have each given 30 years’ service to the hospice: Geraldine Parker, Carol Drage, Dorothy Hewitt, Rita Pincombe, Dianne Couch, Jill Jarvis, Elizabeth Cooke, Pat Kitching, Beryl Hutley and Pat Nicholls.

Mark Jarman-Howe, chief executive of the hospice, and chairman of the trustee board Peter Vergo gave speeches thanking the volunteers for all of their efforts.

Mr Jarman-Howe said: “The Volunteers’ Day was a real success.

“It was great to see so many volunteers from across the organisation and to be able to thank them for everything they contribute to the hospice.

“The value of volunteers is priceless and without the time and effort they give we would be unable to provide the invaluable care and support to our patients.”

Mandy Fox, St Helena Hospice human resources’ volunteer officer, who helped to organise the event, added: “The feedback so far has been very positive, especially about the food.

“We are really pleased with the amount of volunteers who have attended and hope that everyone had a fantastic day.”

St Helena Hospice currently has a number of volunteer vacancies which can be found on their website at www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/volunteer.