VOLUNTEERS who braved last month’s freezing weather to help keep critical services going have been honoured in a special ceremony.

Members of the County Volunteers Emergency Committee (CVEC) were presented with certificates of commendation at the British Red Cross, Worcester for their efforts during the big freeze.

They helped transport surgeons to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, assisted ambulances with transporting non-emergency patients, and delivered hot meals to elderly people.

Worcestershire County Council, NHS Worcestershire, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust and Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust presented members of the British Red Cross, Age Concern, St John Ambulance, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire 4x4 Response and the Land Rover Experience Centre at Eastnor with certificates at the event.

Councillor John Cairns, chairman of the county council, said: “Worcestershire’s volunteers deserve our thanks, our praise and our respect. They made a huge contribution to our work throughout the worst of the weather and their efforts helped some of the most vulnerable people.

“Volunteering to help your fellow citizens is an admirable thing to do. The exceptional efforts of our staff were reflected in the dedication and commitment of the volunteers and every one of them deserves our county’s thanks.”