"Precious, extraordinary and amazing!" These are three of the words used to describe volunteers at a Falmouth shop after dedicating many years to the charity.

Three volunteers with the Cornwall Hospital Care shop volunteers at Boslowick have been presented with long service certificates and badges.

Amanda Lewis has served five years, Pam Forcey also five years and Kay Swade ten years, while Dot Jones has also been with the shop for ten years to receive her long service award but was unable to attend the presentation.

Graham Piercy, a Cornwall Hospice Care volunteer trustee presented the awards saying: "The last 18 months have been a challenge for us all, and yet we've been able to keep patient care available to those that need us. You should be very proud of your part in this."

There was also an exemplary award for volunteer Jean Hodge, who has volunteered for the Cornish charity’s shops for 22 years.

When presenting Jean with her badge Graham added: "Jean's nomination for this award described her as an oracle of information and a mentor to her fellow volunteers who she inspires with her diversity, skills and knowledge. A huge thank you to Jean for her 22 years given to the hospices."

When asked why she started volunteering for Cornwall Hospice Care Jean replied: "I wanted to support a local charity. I wanted something to do and to be helping a cause here, near me."

Amanda who received her five-year award also shared why she started volunteering. She said: "My husband died at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice and during the fortnight that I was at the hospice I saw the hard work of the whole team providing the care.

"I wanted to give back and volunteering in the shop suits me, I get to do the window and shelf displays and I know it helps fund that amazing care for other families."

The afternoon's award presentation finished with tea and cake before some of the volunteers returned to their shift in the shop and others headed home.