A Sefton charity has been paying tribute to volunteers who have continued to serve their local communities in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

Waterloo-based Sefton CVS has produced special glass awards which it is distributing to volunteers with organisations across the borough who have maintained their frontline support to Sefton residents over the last 15 months.

One of the latest presentation ceremonies involving volunteers from South Sefton Foodbank was held at Waterloo Town Hall where the VIP guest was Bootle MP Peter Dowd.

Mr Dowd praised the small group of recipients who attended the socially distanced event to represent the foodbank’s ‘army’ of more than 50 volunteers who support the organisation on a regular basis.

Peter Dowd MP said: “It was great to have the opportunity to visit South Sefton Foodbank to hand out awards, recognising and thanking volunteers for all they do in the community. During an incredibly difficult year, people from all walks of life from every corner of the constituency have volunteered and made a huge difference in our communities and it is right that we thank them.”

Sefton CVS Chief Executive, Angela White OBE, commented: “Many Sefton charities, community groups and voluntary organisations have only been able to continue operating during Covid-19 because of the hard work and commitment of their volunteers.

“These include community shopping projects, befriending services and of course vital organisations like South Sefton Foodbank.

“That’s why we’ve produced these special one-off awards to recognise the invaluable contribution that volunteers have made during this unprecedented time.

“We hope these small glass awards will be a valuable keepsake for those people who have continued to volunteer their time to support their fellow Sefton residents, despite the real difficulties and risks they have faced during the pandemic,” added Angela.