THE BRITISH Red Cross celebrated the work of its emergency response volunteers in North Wales at an awards evening on Monday.

The event held in Abergele was an opportunity to thank volunteers for their work and celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months.

The event was attended by emergency response volunteers and staff, alongside colleagues from other services.

Seventeen volunteers received their certificates of recognition for completing all their training, whilst six volunteers received special certificates of recognition.

Two volunteers received long service awards, for 5 years and 10 years of service respectively.

The event also included a video message from British Red Cross CEO Mike Adamson, thanking all the volunteers for their work.

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Henry Barnes, Wales Emergency Response Operations Manager, said: “I’m proud of all our Emergency Response Volunteers here in North Wales and delighted we were able to celebrate them at our awards evening yesterday.

"We’re the world’s emergency responders. We’re proud to be there to help people when they need it most. But this is only possible because of our incredible volunteers.

“Our volunteers are the kind, caring people who answer the call at all hours to give people a warm coat, a cup of tea or a human touch at what might be their lowest moment.

"Over the past year, they’ve responded to floods, fires and a gas explosion. I’m pleased we had the opportunity to recognise their commitment and achievements through our awards evening.”

Kate Griffiths, British Red Cross Director for Wales, added: “Volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross and these emergency response volunteers represent the very best of the Red Cross and the values we all strive to uphold.

"Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our communities but this Volunteers’ Week, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pay tribute to these exceptional volunteers.

“If you’re inspired by our volunteers and the great work they do, we’re always looking for more extraordinary people to join the team. Whether you’re young or old, you could be our newest volunteer and work with these wonderful people.

Long service awards were given to Hannah Prosser for 10 years’ service and to Lewis Smith for five years’ service.

Special Recognition Certificates were given to:

· Mark Jones (for dynamic values in action)

· Paul Howells (for voluntary service fundamental principles)

· Richard Worsley (for compassion values in action)

· Andrea Daengsvang (for an act of kindness)

· Barbara Thomas (for bringing the British Red Cross Fundamental principles to life) 

· Joanne Manning and Nicholas Brown (as a thank you)

Certificates of recognition were given to: Andrea Daengsvang, Barbara Thomas, Claire Williamson, Frances Ellis, Gillian Wood, Joan Hughes, Joanne Manning, Lee Hughes, Lewis Smith, Mark Jones, Nicholas Brown, Paula Kelsall, Paul Howells, Richard Davies, Richard Worsley, Sian Stephenson and Tracey Stubbins.