VOLUNTEERS at a care home were thanked with an afternoon tea with a difference.

Residents, staff and trustees at Charlotte Straker House, in Corbridge, invited all volunteers to enjoy an afternoon with them as a way of saying thank you for giving up their time to help out.

During the event, Lesley Thirlwell, the deputy chairwoman of trustees at Charlotte Straker, presented long service certificates and badges to the volunteers who have completed long service to the charity, ranging between five and 25 years.

Janet Earnshaw, Jennifer Wright and Liz Nisbet collected their awards from Lesley, and certificates and badges will also be given to Heather Wilson, Barbara Shaw, Suzette Milne and Warwick Milne, all of whom were unable to attend the special event.

Lesley said: “Our dedicated volunteers are a major strength of the Charlotte Straker Project.

“Without their contribution of time and energy, our organisation would not have accomplished so much or succeeded in becoming such a vital resource for our surrounding community.

“Our volunteers are involved in a variety of different ways. Some of these roles involve helping on days out, helping with the weekly shop, taking part in our games afternoons and other regular activities, fund-raising, befriending and providing companionship to our residents. Some individuals have volunteered for a considerable number of years and have become essential cornerstones of our organisation.

“They have a measurable and meaningful impact on the day-to-day life at our care home and we are immensely grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment.”