A MAYOR organised an afternoon tea to celebrate the work of volunteers in the town.

Maldon Town mayor Flo Shaughnessy along with deputy mayor Mark Heard hosted an afternoon tea for volunteers at the Town Hall.

The venue was packed with more than a hundred guests, all of whom are volunteers in the Maldon area.

The mayor said she was very grateful to have the opportunity to thank them personally for the wonderful voluntary work that they all do.

Mrs Shaughnessy said: “A town is a living entity which requires so many things to work simultaneously to keep it functioning as a healthy and enjoyable place to live.

“Well, Maldon is a wonderful place to live and that is because you, the volunteers, are the beating heart at it centre.

“We are fortunate to have in the town so many different types of volunteers – too many to list - but you all have one thing in common: The desire to help others – individuals, charities and other good causes – by giving your valuable time.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

The guests were treated to a meal and a live music concert provided by her grandson Fred’s jazz quartet.

She added: “I wanted all the town’s volunteers to know how much their hard work and generous nature is appreciated, and the afternoon tea was a small but sincere token of our gratitude.

“I’m also very grateful to the Town Council officers and the caterers who worked so hard to make the afternoon such a success.”