It is National Volunteers Week and more than 170 regular helpers at Thames Hospice were treated to a special afternoon tea at Ascot Racecourse on Tuesday - to thank them for their contribution.

The hospice in Hatch Lane, Windsor provides vital support to people with life limiting conditions and in just one year its 650 volunteers contributed 80,742 hours of their time.

During the afternoon much-loved singer, dancer and TV presenter Rosemarie Ford awarded long-service badges to many volunteers who have given their time to the hospice for 10, 15, 25 and even 30 years.

Katherine Leach, head of volunteering at Thames Hospice, said: “Our annual Volunteers’ Afternoon Tea is just a small token of thanks for the incredible support volunteers offer to Thames Hospice. Our 650-strong army of volunteers make an enormous contribution to our success and we always look forward to bringing them together at this event to say a huge thank you.

“A special thank you must also be extended to Ascot Racecourse for kindly providing the venue free of charge and their support throughout the event.”

Afternoon tea was served from 2pm and magician Mike Stoner entertained the audience before speeches from Thames Hospice CEO Debbie Raven, chairman of trustees Jonathan Jones and Rosemarie Ford.

To find out more about volunteering for Thames Hospice, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/volunteer