A WORCESTERSHIRE man joined more than 100 environmental volunteers at a reception in the garden of 10 Downing Street.

John Buckley, who lives in Droitwich, was one of 40 Wildlife Trust volunteers who attended the reception held by Prime Min-ister Gordon Brown to thank people involved in practical land and marine conservation work.

Mr Buckley has been a volunteer with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust for 14 years. During that time he has had a number of roles with the group including that of warden of Beacon-wood and Winsel near Bromsgrove.

He said: “It was a privilege to be invited to Downing Street to represent a charity I have been involved in for many years and to help promote volunteering. Personally, it was a great opportunity to meet the Prime Minister and other MPs as well as many other environment volunteers.”

Colin Raven, director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are thrilled this particular group of committed like-minded people have been recognised by the Prime Minister. They give their time so readily and deliver real environmental benefits to communities throughout the UK.

“At Worcestershire Wildlife Trust we are very proud of our 350 volunteers who care for and improve local wild places.

“Each and every one of them makes a difference and their positive action benefits us all. It is absolutely right that their efforts should be acknowledged. We hope many more people will continue to be inspired by wildlife and the next generation of volunteers will take the opportunity to improve their environment.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust can telephone 01905 754919 for more information or visit worcswildlife trust.co.uk.