THE value of volunteers has been recognised at a special ceremony in Worcester's Guildhall.

On Wednesday evening, representatives from several local charities and community groups gathered to receive a boost in funding from Worcester Lions Club.

Earlier this year your Worcester News teamed up with the club to find local projects to receive a share of £1,500.

Audrey de Garis, joint co-ordinator with Worcestershire Parents and Carers Community (WPCC), said they were "grateful" to receive £250 to help fund their Christmas party.

She said: "Next year we are celebrating ten years of providing support to families with a child or children with disabilities. We've grown from supporting two or three families to 180 in that time, and that number is growing every week. This money will help us put on an event the kids and their families really enjoy."

Chris Reeve collected £150 on behalf of Hallow Village Community Group, which will go towards hosting a summer or Christmas event for senior citizens.

"We started ten years ago to raise the profile of the community in Hallow and we do all sorts of things, such as hold big events, do litter picks and pantomimes. This money will help us host a big event for people who may not have many family or friends around them."

Other groups to benefit were the Experiment in International Living UK, which received £300 towards it 'anti-racism in sport' event, and Kinship Carers, a group supporting relatives who take on the responsibility of other people's children.

The Friends of Fort Royal Primary School received £205 to buy a special trike, and the Live at Home scheme was awarded £150 to help tackle loneliness among older people.

St John Ambulance was given £150 towards a new events gazebo and Maggs Day Centre received £150 which will go towards their fundraising drive of raising £31,000 for a new kitchen.

Presenting the cheques, Mayor of Worcester, councillor Roger Knight, said the work the groups did was "astonishing".

"Since becoming Mayor I have become even more aware of the work volunteers do in the county," he said.

"It's like there is another Worcester beneath the waves, and people don't realise just how much volunteers do. They are the mortar that holds the bricks of our society together."

Catherine Templeton, a member of the Lions Club, said the money given out was collected at their Santa's Sleigh event in December.

"We wanted to give the money to local good causes, especially the small charities that not many people necessarily know about. A small amount makes a huge difference to the smaller organisations."