Mansfield celebrated its thousands of volunteers at a special ceremony.

Seven major prizes were handed out at the 12th Mansfield Volunteer Awards, which was attended by more than 130 people, including mayor Kate Allsop and Mansfield District Council chairman Coun Katrina Atherton.

The event at the John Fretwell Centre was held by the Mansfield Community and Voluntary Service (CVS) in partnership with Mansfield District Council, Mansfield District Tenants’ and Residents’ Groups, Ladybrook Neighbourhood Management Team, Mansfield Volunteer Centre, and Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group.

The celebration highlighted those who work tirelessly throughout the year to make a difference to their communities.

It marked the commitment and dedication of the often unsung volunteers.

The ceremony was organised by a steering group of tenants, residents and volunteers, and supported by officers from the district council, Mansfield CVS and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The committee fundraises throughout the year to cover the costs of the event.

The evening featured a raffle, the premiere of the 2015 Volunteering Mansfield dvd and a moment of reflection for those dedicated volunteers who died in the previous year.

The ceremony was presented by committee chairman Mick Beresford and Mansfield CVS volunteering officer Lesley Watkins.

Winners were:
Young Person’s Award — Jasia Byatt, Rainworth and Blidworth Detached Youth Project.
Community Group Award — Under-25s Mental Health Group.
Emily Dawes Memorial Award — Claire Franklin, Jigsaw Support Scheme.
Andrew Wallace Memorial Award — Michael Johnson, Warsop Infotech.
Margaret Wilson Memorial Award — Brenda Stockdale, the Oaklands Centre.
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year — Sarah Spurry, Maun Conservation Group.
Business in the Community Award — SF Media, Peter Scully and Jamie Fryatt.

A 2015 Volunteering Mansfield film is at www.mansfield.gov.uk

For more information on volunteering or the 2016 Mansfield Volunteer Awards, contact Mansfield CVS on 01623 651177 or email [email protected] or go to www.facebook.com/mansfield volunteerawards