TWELVE volunteers from across Wiltshire have been honoured for their contributions at hospitals throughout the region.

Their length of service totals 105 years for the Community Health Services in Wiltshire, including Chippenham, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge and Warminster hospitals.

At Chippenham Hospital, Margaret Gubbins, Sue Lord and Ruth Young were all honoured for five years of service, Jayne England has served ten years and Susan Heginbotham 15 years.

At Devizes Hospital, Ralph Harding has volunteered for 25 years while in Melksham Hospital Jan Pitney has served for ten years.

In Trowbridge Hospital, both Chrissy Grech and Peter Warren have done five years, and in Warminster Hospital Jenny Royle, Margaret Macey and Val Miller served five, ten and 15 years respectively.

Suzanne Bennett, voluntary services coordinator, said: “I am always amazed by the kindness and commitment of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their free time for the benefit of our patients and staff.

“Volunteering is not just about giving young people the opportunity to experience hospital life to fulfil their careers aspirations, but for those who are seeking confidence and a ‘hand up’ to return to employment and for others wanting to do something useful and to give something back to the NHS.”