Herefordshire Voluntary Action and allpay announce winners of 'Herefordshire Volunteers of the Year Awards 2009'.

It's time to announce the winners of the biennial awards that recognise those wonderful Herefordians that give their time to help others for free.

With a bumper sack of entries, the judges* had a difficult task choosing winners and runners-up in the six categories.

Organised by Herefordshire Voluntary Action and sponsored by local business allpay, the award ceremony took place on Thursday June 4th at Hereford Racecourse. The date significantly fell within National Volunteers Week, which is marking its 25th anniversary.

Lord Lieutenant for the County of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, presented the awards and the Mayor of Herefordshire, Councillor Sylvia Daniels praised the winners personally after the ceremony.

With a magical theme, the gala dinner was hosted by Rebecca White, from allpay, and Andrew Morris, chief executive of Westfields Football Club.

Volunteer Team of the Year, Sponsored by Barclays Bank

Winner: Action for Children, Hereford

On a daily basis the volunteers at Action for Children see depression, violence and despair, yet they never give up. The group provides an open ended package of support to some of the County's most vulnerable children and young people. Remaining motivated, committed and compassionate in challenging circumstances, the 14 volunteers are worthy winners of this award.

Young Volunteer of the Year, also sponsored by Barclays

Winner: David Andrew from Ross-on-Wye

22 year old David is a true example that there are no barriers to achieving what you want - if you have the will to succeed. His infectious attitude works wonders at Enviroability in Ross where he volunteers.

Good Neighbour of the Year, sponsored by the Hereford Journal

Winner: Heather Stewart, Muir Close, Hereford

Her nominees call her an unsung hero, one in a million. Whenever she can help she will. Heather volunteered at the Advice Centre at the Oval in Newtown Farm for three years, and continues to support many individuals locally. No problem is too small, she's always happy to help.

Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by BOSS

Winner: Carey Godwin from Ewyas Harold

Carey certainly has a caring nature. She has worked selflessly on projects in her home village of Ewyas Harold, organising fundraising and grant applications, whilst supporting communities further afield - in Africa.

Sports Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Tesco

Winner: Bryan White

With more than 25 years of volunteering in the management and organising of sports throughout the County, Bryan has been a huge inspiration to many generations locally. His involvement spans school and local government groups, amongst others, and he is also one of the key drivers behind the Herefordshire 2012 Olympic Group.

Inspirational Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by allpay

Winner: Jo Pewsey from Kilpeck

Giving daily support to a close neighbour is just one of the ways Jo makes a difference in her local community. She runs the Post Office once a week in the village hall despite maintaining a full time job, has set up a club for pensioners, opens her garden to charity on an annual basis, acts as secretary to the Kilpeck pantomime committee….the list is endless. Her tireless work is outstanding and she is the perfect winner of this category.

Chief Executive of Herefordshire Voluntary Action, Will Lindesay, commented:

"Volunteers in Herefordshire' make a unique contribution. The awards give the County an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the roles they play, and the vital services they provide to local people and communities."

Rebecca White, Marketing Communications Manager details why sponsor allpay is committed to the awards:

"allpay has sponsored the awards for 3 years because they really are magical - the volunteers in our County really should be rewarded for their selfless work - we give them the opportunity to shine!"

Full list of winners

Volunteer Team of the Year - Sponsored by Barclays Bank

1st Prize £200 Action for Children

2nd Prize £150 Ross and District Age Concern

Commendation: The Cawley Hall committee
Commendation: Holmer Over 60's Club

Young Volunteer of the Year - Also sponsored by Barclays

1st Prize £100 David Andrew from Ross-on-Wye

2nd Prize £75 Millie and Tillie Jenkins and Jake Smith from Brookmill Close, Colwall

Good Neighbour of the Year - Sponsored by the Hereford Journal

1st Prize Day at the Races for two Heather Stewart, Muir Close, Hereford

2nd Prize Meal for two Diane Brain, Almeley

3rd Prize £25 ASDA voucher Jean Heath, Hampton Dene Road, Hereford

Fundraiser of the Year - Sponsored by BOSS

1st Prize £250 Carey Godwin from Ewyas Harold

Sports Volunteer of the Year - Sponsored by Tesco

1st Prize £200 Bryan White

Inspirational Volunteer of the Year - Sponsored by allpay

1st Prize £200 Jo Pewsey from Kilpeck

* The judging panel were: Sarah Clelland and Rebecca White from allpay, Dave Cash from Barclays, Sue Broom from BBC Hereford & Worcester, Karen Stanton from Hereford Council and Sarah Crowley, a volunteer representative

www.herefordshireva.org