AWARDS for volunteers of the year were presented when the Epping Forest Volunteer Bureau marked national volunteers week.

Christine Sprules, a volunteer for the Women's Royal Voluntary Service since 1988, won the Volunteer of the Year award.

The WRVS, the largest voluntary organisation in the UK, runs the shop and tea bar at St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, lunch clubs, over-50s afternoon clubs and drives people to medical appointments.

Chris, who is soon leaving the area, has worked in the hospital tea bar, undertaken deliveries and was district organiser for several years.

Lately she has been emergency co-ordinator.

Special commendations were made to Pauline Youell and Danny Carr, of Effect; Ian Anderson, of the Friends of Swaines Green; Gill Payne and Gerry Wildman, of Saneline; Betty Beaken of the Three Forests Cheshire Homes; Joan McGowan and Paul Thompson, of Waltham Abbey Citizens Advice Bureau, and Barbara Muggleton, Iris Wright and Stella Diamond, of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

Two young women were presented with the Young Volunteer of the Year award.

Sarah Bateman and Louise Brooker both volunteer for Youth Plus in Ongar, a club for 14 to 25-year-olds with learning difficulties or no disabilities on Thursday evenings.

A calendar of community-based activities and social outings are organised by members for its members.

Its aim is to help young people develop circles of friends and to facilitate opportunities to access social activities in the community.

The nomination read: "Their ability to work with young people, some of whom have disabilities, is outstanding... they so deserve a reward for their continuing commitment to Youth Plus."

Other worthy nominations were made by Careline for Eremina Bell-Gam and from Crossroads Caring for Carers Epping Forest for Natalie Harvey.

The certificates were presented by High Sheriff of Essex David Boyle and Epping Forest Council chairman Doug Kelly. The engraved crystal trophies for the volunteer of the year and young volunteer of the year awards were provided by Derek Higgins, of the Higgins Group, based in Loughton.

July 9, 2002 12:00