ONE of the region’s most prominent figures has praised volunteers in the area, saying that their work is the “antidote” to the recent troubles seen on streets across England.

Lord Barry Jones, who, along with his wife, Lady Janet, is a patron of numerous charitable organisations in Flintshire, described people who give up their time for others as remarkable.

The former Alyn and Deeside AM, recently addressed the House of Lords and paid tribute to a number of organisations including the League of Friends at Deeside Community Hospital, Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch, Flintshire Altzeimer’s Society and to Flintshire arthritis care group.

Speaking to the Leader this week, he said that their work is evidence of how community spirit remains strong in some areas of the country.

The peer also pointed to groups such as the Hawarden Singers and Buckley Brass Band, both of which are active in raising monies for charity.

He said: “Over a long public life, Janet and I have made a huge number of friends here in the county. On leaving the Commons after 31 years we resolved to work alongside these friends in the voluntary and charitable sector.

“We found ourselves among wonderful people. They were working voluntarily, so conscientiously and so effectively. They were giving so much to so many and it is very humbling to be alongside them - young or old.

“It’s the certain antidote to the terrifying scenes we have seen recently of arson, looting and riot.”

Both Lord Barry and Lady Janet have been involved with various charities and voluntary organisations for many years, beginning with their involvement with the Playgroup Movement in the 1960s.

Lady Janet has been involved with the likes of Flintshire NSPCC and Sealand Brownies while Lord Barry has worked with the charities he highlighted in the Lords among others.

He added: “There are so many remarkable volunteers, giving up their time and experience to help others. They deserve every recognition and acknowledgement.”