OUTSTANDING volunteers who help conserve, maintain and present Holnicote Estate have been sponsored by the Rohan Country Store in Dunster.

Twenty-nine volunteers who have completed more than 50 hours of countryside conservation work during the past year received a £20 voucher to spend in the store.

Rohan Dunster Country Store manager Richard Sussex presented the voucher,adiscount card and a letter of appreciation at a recent celebration evening.

In the previous 12 months, volunteers have contributed more than 13,000 hours in total.

Highlights of the last year include the restoration of the waterwheel at Piles Mill, in Allerford.

Richard Sussex said: “Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping Exmoor special for millions of visitors every year and I am pleased that we are able to show our support for the significant contribution that they make to the local area.

Paul Camp, National Trust volunteer manager continued: “Our volunteers happily give up their time without any thought of reward other than to feel that they are giving something back to an area they love, so having their achievements recognised in this way is fantastic.”