THEY are responsible for helping citizens in their time of need, but now Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has thanked volunteers for their ‘invaluable contribution’.

Last week (June 1-7) marked the 30th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week – an annual celebration to thank thousands of people across the country.

Prevention area manager, Stew Adamson, said: “Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate volunteers and the incredible contribution they make to our community. Volunteers are an integral part of our society - they help deliver our services in the most effective way, making life safer for our community.

“The magic of volunteering is that it is a two-way relationship. So alongside the contribution to our local communities, volunteers also benefit tremendously from the experience – learning new skills, getting back into paid work, improving physical or mental well-being, or simply meeting interesting people and having fun.”