STAFF and volunteers at a Herefordshire hospice have been recognised for their long service.

Dozens of those working for St Michael's Hospice in Bartestree were thanked for their hard work during an awards ceremony at Hampton Bishop Village Hall.

It was led by the hospice's head of support services, Stephen Rabbitts (corr), who himself has worked for St Michael's for 30 years.

"My experience as a volunteer was incredibly challenging but so rewarding," he said afterwards.

"Over the past 30 years there has been a real increase in the number of volunteers we need to make St Michael's work every day.

"All our volunteers come with such a diversity of skills, experience and personality that enhance the standard of care we are able to offer.

"I am constantly impressed when young volunteers join us as well. We have quite an age range in the 800-odd army that make up our corps of volunteers."

Jane Mason, the hospice's retiring head of nursing, handed out the awards for long service, which included trustees, volunteers and staff.

Recipients included Richard Miller and Jeffrey Kramer, both doctors, who worked with the early volunteers to help make the hospice a reality.

"We are incredibly grateful to all our many supporters for their loyalty, determination and tenacity over the years," said the hospice's chief executive officer, Nicola West.

"As we celebrate our Pearl anniversary and see in the new year with a new In-Patient Unit, we could not be more proud of their hard work and efforts for us at St Michael's.

"Long-term staff add a calming sense of stability to the hospice experience."