WORCESTERSHIRE libraries have been celebrating the contribution of volunteers to communities across the county.

Libraries were asked to nominate 18 of their Job Club and Digital Champions, and they were then invited to an event to thank them for all their hard work and effort.

Droitwich Library hosted the celebration, where adult learning manager Colin Barnett, service development co-ordinator Val Ruddle and library manager Bev Orlowsky provided a warm welcome, encouraging the participants to share their experiences, ideas and the opportunity to discuss their work with each other.

There was a display of comments, outlining why each library had made the nomination, customer's letters of thanks and case studies about the work of these celebrated volunteers, which they were able to read.

Strategic libraries and learning manager Kathy Kirk then presented each volunteer with a certificate of thanks and a small gift, after which a celebratory tea party was enjoyed.

She said: "Volunteers make such a difference to our libraries and to everything we do in. Libraries play a very important role in the community, and we have many volunteers in a wide range of roles working alongside our staff.

"Over 20,000 hours were given by digital champions and job club volunteers in libraries last year, and one thing all the volunteers we spoke to agreed on is that their work gives them enormous satisfaction and that they felt they get back more than they give."

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "At a time when budget reductions mean libraries are closing across the country, we are proud that here in Worcestershire we are keeping all of our libraries open. One of the most important reasons we are able to do that is because of the work of volunteers who work closely with our paid staff.

"I would like to thank every library volunteer for their fantastic work, on behalf of the council and communities throughout Worcestershire."