CARE home volunteers had their hard work recognised at a special presentation in Bury.

Epworth Grange, in Chirmside Street, staged the event where the Mayor of Bury, councillor Stella Smith, handed over certificates to the band of volunteers.

They were issued by Methodist Home’s Head Office and Bury Volunteer Centre to recognise the contributions the 28 volunteers make to improve quality of life for residents.

During afternoon tea, Cllr Smith learned about the volunteers’ backgrounds and how they benefit the home.

Michael Carroll, volunteer co-ordinator at the home, said: “The volunteers at MHA Epworth Grange are vitally important as they become new friends with smiling warm faces our residents can talk to and have a laugh with, whatever role they carry out.

“Volunteering works both ways as it has also helped some of our volunteers gain employment and university places, and develop skills knowledge and experience.

“We’ve got a great team of volunteers who all work well together and we’ve noticed it is becoming more and more diverse as word spreads by word of mouth how enjoyable it is to volunteer here.”

The volunteers undertake various roles including being breakfast assistants, befrienders, activity assistants, coffee shop assistants and computer assistants.

There is also an Access to Care scheme where people looking to go into the care profession can gain 12 weeks' experience.

Families are invited to a summer fair at the home this Saturday (July 4) from 1.30pm to 4pm to raise money for residents’ amenity fund.

Raffles and stalls offering cakes, toys, books and games will keep visitors entertained alongside a bouncy castle and music.

Admission is £1.50, which includes a programme, tea or coffee and cake.

For more information: call Michael on 0161 761 7500 or e-mail home.bryvolunteercoord@mha.org.uk