FROM knitting blankets to tending flower beds, they have all done their bit to make a difference.

A loyal army of about 50 volunteers has received awards in recognition of long service at community hospitals and other health facilities in the Southampton area.

Dozens turned up to collect their gongs in person at an awards ceremony hosted by Southampton City Primary Care Trust at St Mary's Stadium.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds were presented with certificates to mark service of either three years, ten years or 15 years by trust chief executive Brian Skinner.

Those who had clocked up 15 years or over were also given a special gift to say "thank you" for all the hours they have donated.

George Rogers, community hospitals support manager, who organised the awards ceremony, said the event was a way of recognising and thanking all the volunteers who helped in so many ways.

Altogether, the trust relies on about 150 volunteers who work behind the scenes to help make a difference for patients, relatives and staff. Award recipients had performed a wide range of voluntary work at the trust's sites, which include Western Community Hospital in Southampton and Moorgreen Hospital at West End, as well as five health centres, nine clinics and two walk-in centres.

Tasks have included delivering newspapers to patients, gardening, flower arranging, driving minibuses and meeting and greeting patients.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for Southampton City Primary Care Trust should call George Rogers on 023 8047 5448 for details.

ROLL OF HONOUR:

Peter Johnson, Miranda Laker, David Livermore, Mark Stafford-Watson, Geraldine Barker, Betty Knox, Doris Stone, Les Taylor, Ken Eyres, John Beckett, Patrick Corkery, Jim McKelvey, Joyce Bailey, Ron Benham, James Giles, Margaret Jay, Joyce Aley, Teresa Carrington, Rita Colgan, Gwen Head, Marylin Jack, Belinda Johnson, Molly Long, Gordon Maton, George Page, Violet Pearce, Joan Thomson, Vivienne Batson, Esther Blake, Beryl Caplin, Terry Chorley, Sybil Crickmore, Marilyn Davies, Sally Foreman, Mary Ann Hallet, Vera Jeans, June Lee, Ernest Mathews, Jillian Milson, Elizabeth Smith, Manzura Chapman, Nazrul Chaudrey, Manjusha Chopra, Alda D'Souza, Annette Howell, Harpreet Nijar, Sheila Phillips, Vilma Scott, Vidya Sharp, Paul Singh, Spandita Woodman