VOLUNTEERS have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the community at an awards ceremony.

Peggy Worboys, of West Lulworth, was among those celebrated for their selfless work.

Mrs Worboys was said to ‘help anyone in the community’ from cleaning the church and visiting the elderly to preparing food for church services and taking the elderly on shopping trips.

Chairman of the district council Councillor Gloria Marsh, who hosted the ceremony, awarded certificates to the volunteers across 11 parishes and towns for a variety of achievements.

She said: “The volunteers of Purbeck are at the heart of our parishes and towns. They often work quietly behind the scenes, bringing whole communities together.

“They freely give their time, energy and skills and I would like to thank them for their tireless efforts which make a difference to so many people.”

All of the volunteers, who have given up many hours of their own time to help others, were congratulated in front of more than 60 people.

Also presented with certificates were members the Stoborough Pantomime Group, which has raised thousands of pounds for charity and Kath Jeeves, of Bere Regis parish, who has worked tirelessly for the good of the community for more than 30 years.

At 87, Mrs Jeeves still has bundles of enthusiasm, arranging days out, leading a choir of ladies and inspiring improvements to the village hall.

Others included Paul Cady of East Stoke parish, who was celebrated for more than 20 years’ community work such as fundraising, driving the Lions mini-bus and helping out with pensioners’ meals.

Roy and Nancy Anderson, from Wareham, were recognised for their volunteer work over several decades.

Glen and Betty Bower, from Worth Matravers, were also honoured at the ceremony.

They have been involved in parish activities for more than 50 years and still run a monthly dance, the proceeds of which are donated to charity and to the building fund for the new village hall.

Leslie Bugler, from Church Knowle, was recognised for a lifetime of good deeds.

He has ‘put many hours of hard work into running the youth club’ and restoring the village reading room.