VOLUNTEERS were thanked for their years of hard work at a special lunch.

The buffet was held at Beechcroft Library to celebrate the efforts of a dozen kind-hearted Stratton residents who give up hours of their time to help their community.

Most of them work at the library to assist with the day-to-day running of the business.

A few work at Grange Leisure to help with the office work and leisure centre.

All of them chip in to support the Stratton Festival and some have been helping every year since the event began.

Emily Harris, events coordinator for Stratton St Margaret Parish Council enjoyed the event.

She said: “Volunteers are hugely important to us at Stratton St Margaret Parish Council.

"They're invaluable.

"For example, Beechcroft Library wouldn’t be able to stay open as long and often if it wasn’t for the volunteers.

"Of course, we would like to thank our litter-picking volunteers that work alongside our Grounds Team helping to keep Stratton St Margaret looking lovely.

"All of the volunteers were very grateful for the lunch.

"They thought it was a brilliant event.

"We hope they realise how important they are to the parish council.