EVEN the sun came out to honour the best of the district's army of volunteers at the 2010 West Somerset Volunteer of the Year awards.

Organised by Engage West Somerset, an organisation which provides support to both voluntary and community groups, the ceremony recognised those who had gone the extra mile to help others.

Nominations were received from across the district, with awards on offer for people aged under 25, over 25 and for groups.

This year, the ceremony was held outdoors in Wellington Square, Minehead, and gave Engage the opportunity to host a series of events to celebrate all aspects of volunteering and to showcase its services.

After much deliberation, the winners were officially announced as Lewis Lintern in the over 25 category, Robert Young in the under 25s and volunteers from The Hope Centre in the group section.

Lewis was nominated by a neighbour for his tireless work for the Regal Theatre, where he undertakes numerous jobs, from scenery shifting to front of house and musical director.

He was also nominated for his work with Minehead Methodist Church and local children.

Robert was nominated by the Somerset Rural Youth Project for his work on various environmental projects on Exmoor and in the Blackdown Hills.

And as well as picking up the prize for best group, The Hope Centre's volunteers were named as the overall winners of the competition and will go on to represent West Somerset in a countywide final later in the year.

The group uses space at Minehead Baptist Church to run a drop-in for homeless people and those who live with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Services on offer include a hot meal and bathing and washing facilities, while volunteers also provide support with medical appointments and housing issues, even sourcing clothes and furniture for those making a new start.

The rapport they have built with their clients has led to a reduction in the need for police and other agencies involvement with this section of our community.

Katrina Midgley, Engage chief officer, said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped to make this such a successful event - Engage's own staff and volunteers, West Somerset Council for the use of Wellington Square and the tents, everyone who came along to support us and last, but not least, all the volunteers, not just the winners, who give tirelessly of their time to support their communities.

"As Lewis said in his acceptance speech, without them nothing would be possible."

Pictured from the left are Sally Maclean of The Hope Centre, Nicole Hawkins of Engage, under 25s winner Robert Young and over 25s winner Lewis Lintern.

Photo: Steve Guscott