Snow volunteers recognised for helping their neighbours

Local government minister Barbara Follett thanked 40 local heroes at an awards ceremony in London, where she praised them for their hard work and commitment to helping their neighbours during the recent heavy snow.

Transporting stranded motorists, cleaning drives of deep snow and helping to get meals-on-wheels to isolated, elderly people during the heavy snow earlier this year are just some of the voluntary acts of kindness praised by Mrs Follett.

Barbara Follett said:
"The heavy snow earlier this year showed Britain's community spirit in action. The people here today and many others across the country spontaneously leapt to the aid of their neighbours. I want to congratulate them for their generous acts of kindness to help those in need.

"Volunteering doesn't just mean getting involved in big, organized events - it can mean just looking out for your neighbour. I hope more people are inspired to help their local community and are encouraged to start volunteering on a regular basis. The Government is working with local councils to ensure people have all the information they need to get involved in volunteering."

Volunteers from many third sector organisations and those who are simply 'good neighbours' were involved in efforts to restore normality to local communities around the country during the snow.