THE Tamar Valley AONB celebrated recently at the Volunteer Cornwall Awards ceremony, as it was awarded highly commended in the ‘host of the year’ category, after hosting the two-year Heritage Lottery funded Helping Hands for Heritage project.

One of the Tamar Valley’s most dedicated and committed volunteers, Ian Aldersey, who sadly passed away earlier this year, was also recognised for his services to volunteering in the Tamar Valley.

Ian was posthumously awarded highly commended in the ‘cultural volunteer’ category, with the award being proudly received by his brother, Phil.

The Volunteer Cornwall Awards took place on Thursday, November 24, at Newquay’s Atlantic Hotel. The annual awards ceremony is held to recognise the vital role that volunteers play in society.

In front of an audience of invited guests, nominees and nominators, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Col Edward Bolitho, presented the highly commended and winning volunteers with their awards.

Sam Barnes, who ran the Helping Hands for Heritage project, collected the award on behalf of the AONB team. Sam said: “It was an honour to be shortlisted for the two awards, and inspirational to see how much volunteering takes place in Cornwall.

“Coming ‘highly commended’ amongst the work of the Samaritans and the Dreadnought Centre, based in Pool, is something that the Tamar Valley AONB team, and its volunteers, should be proud of.

“The posthumous award for Ian Aldersley as cultural volunteer, will provide a remembrance for his friends and family of all the fantastic work he did and commitment he had for the valley.”

The Tamar Valley AONB team has extended thanks to everyone involved, who made the award possible.

For ideas on volunteering opportunities within the Tamar Valley area, pick up a free copy of The Valley newsletter, available from local outlets throughout the valley, or view online at www.tamarvalley.org.uk