TEN businesses and organisations across Somerset have ensured that the Volunteers of Age UK Somerset felt appreciated during Volunteers’ Week celebrations this year.

The charity has 260 volunteers in various vital roles and puts much effort into organising events and outings across their area as a way of showing their appreciation for the vital work that they do.

Nearly 100 Volunteers and staff came together at this years events which were held over June 6-10 and included garden visits using virtual reality headsets, goat and camel feeding, a boat trip, a display of classic cars, a concert, local history talks and swooping buzzards.

The businesses involved in making this a special week were Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet, The Newt in Somerset near Bruton, Somerset Boat Centre at North Newton, Badbury Flower Company at Isle Abbots, Blake Museum in Bridgwater, Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre at Allerford, Noahs Ark Zoo Farm near Wraxall, Dr Fox’s Tearoom on Knightstone Island, The Bishops Palace and Gardens at Wells and St Andrews Church, Wiveliscombe.

Kate Barrington the volunteering manager for Age UK Somerset said: “Our Volunteers’ Week events are always well received and have become a fixture to look forward to.

"Not only do the events give us the opportunity to say our thank yous to our wonderful Volunteers in person but they also provide a chance for Volunteers to share experiences and laughs with one another which is equally important.

"We are so grateful to the businesses who have supported our events this year as the events would not have been possible without their support.”

If you are interested in finding out what volunteering roles are available at Age UK Somerset visit www.ageuksomerset.org.uk/volunteering