Leader of Surrey County Council (SCC) has paid tribute to the people in Surrey who support their communities by volunteering.

Councillor Andrew Povey made the comments during the council meeting on Wednesday, June 2, coinciding with National Volunteers Week.

Mark Twomey, deputy head of emergency management at SCC, also called on people to get involved in helping out in their community.

Mr Twomey, who has been volunteering for 16 years as a divisional officer and deputy unit leader at St John Ambulance.

He said: “I get great pleasure from helping out other volunteers. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping others and it would be fantastic if more people could give up their time for a cause they are passionate about.”

Sandra Gray, who works at the council’s children’s services, also volunteers for the Surrey Association for the Visually Impaired.

She said: "I feel strongly that elderly blind and partially sighted people can benefit greatly from regular contact with other people.

"I have found the volunteering experience extremely satisfying and only wish I had more time to offer."