OKEHAMPTON volunteers for Hospicare were among more than 600 fundraisers recognised for their hard work at a celebratory tea party on September 10.

The event was held at Powderham Castle courtesy of Lady Devon, who is an ambassador for the charity, and was hosted by Hospiscare's patron, Lady Clifford of Chudleigh. The party was in honour of winning the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is the highest given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work in their local communities.

Twelve of the 13 members of the Okehampton Hospiscare team attended the event, receiving a special badge featuring the coveted Queen's Award emblem.

Hospiscare has almost 1,000 volunteers who together contribute £1-million each year to help patients and their families across Exeter, mid and east Devon.

Guests were treated to a tour of the castle along with music by pianist and volunteer John Allison and a string quartet from the Exeter Symphony Orchestra.

Piers Teo was one of the Okehampton-based volunteers at the event. Piers said the party was well-received by the volunteers: 'Everyone from the Okehampton group had a lovely day and very much enjoyed the party.'

Lady Clifford said: 'I am so immensely proud of our volunteers and I would like to thank each and every one of them.

'Hospiscare literally could not operate without your support for patients and their families in the in-patient unit, in people's homes, by fundraising, helping in the shops and by guiding the charity as trustees.'

Hospiscare provides dedicated expert care and support for local people with a terminal illness. They offer support at home as well as in-patient care at their Exeter hospice.