SEVEN of Herefordshire's selfless volunteers were recently presented with Year of the Volunteer medals by Lord Lieutenant Sir Thomas Dunne KCVO - four of them for their work with St Michael's Hospice.

Two of the women honoured are involved with the hospice's shops, Sylvia Jenkins in Bromyard and Elizabeth Drew in Ledbury.

Sylvia has been supporting the hospice for the past 12 years, having been asked by former trust executive John Caiger to look for shop premises in Bromyard.

Having found them, Sylvia became manager of the shop and has been there ever since.

Similarly, when John said he'd like to start a hospice support group, he turned to Sylvia.

"We've known so many friends who've been in the hospice," says Sylvia "and it's very dear to my heart.

"I can't do enough for them - they are just such wonderful people."

In the 12 years Sylvia has devoted to raising funds for the hospice, the shop and events she's organised have contributed more than £225,000 to the charity.

Sylvia admits to being well past retirement age but shows no sign of slowing down. "As long as I can, I will support them," she says.

Elizabeth Drew, another medal winner for her work at the hospice, is in no doubt who benefits most from what she does.

"I owe the hospice an enormous amount in terms of getting a life and having things to do," she says.

Elizabeth first offered her services to the hospice following the sudden death of her husband, John, at the age of 49, just three years after the couple had moved from London.

"Once I got over the immediate shock, I started looking for things to do," she remembers.

It wasn't long before she had plenty to do after she was asked to chair the Sunflower Appeal, which raised £600,000 for a day hospice.

Today, Elizabeth holds two voluntary positions with the hospice - as manager of the Ledbury shop, where she has worked throughout her 10 years' involvement with St Michael's and as company secretary.

"I still use a bit of my legal knowledge, which helps," she said.

Also recognised for their voluntary work in the county were Anneke Syed, who volunteers for Salters Hill charity, helping residents with learning difficulties improve their lives; Angus Turner, who has volunteered at St Michael's Hospice for the last 10 years and Ruth Keohane who, as well as volunteering at the hospice, is also a volunteer chaplain.

Jim Lawes, secretary of Arthritis Care Herefordshire, was recognised for 18 years' service with the charity and "acting above the call of duty" and Gladys Kitcherside, of Ross-on-Wye, received her medal for her voluntary work as a speaker for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.