MORE than 100 people who give up their time to help others were thanked at a special lunch with Colchester’s mayor Gerard Oxford.

Mr Oxford and his wife, Beverley, hosted a volunteer lunch at Colchester Town Hall as a celebration of all the hard work the volunteers have shown over the years.

Volunteers at Signpost, Refugee Action, Samaritans and other charities attended.

VIPs also joined as hosts on each of the tables, including the Bishop of Colchester the Rt Rev Roger Morris, the High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell, the High Sheriff of Essex Simon Hall, Garrison Sergeant Major William Biggar and Police Chief Inspector Shaun Kane.

Mr Oxford said: “Everyone said they felt valued and very special. It was a brilliant emotional day with young carers from St Helena School joining volunteers from a wide variety of charities.

“My thanks to the Gazette for their help inviting charities to nominate volunteers to attend.

“Bev and I really wanted to do this and it was a huge success.

“I also would like to say thank you to Fiona Garthwaite for all her support with the organisation, which was perfect.”

The event was sponsored by a number of companies and Mr Oxford thanked them for their support.