ONE of Worcestershire’s largest housing organisations has rewarded its many volunteers for their hard work.

Festival Housing, which manages about 10,000 homes in the county, has presented certificates to 50 people who have helped the group with health and fitness programmes, lunch clubs for the elderly and children’s activities in school holidays.

An event to mark their work was held at Malvern Vale Community Centre. 

Festival tenants who volunteer for other organisations in the area were also eligible for the recognition, as were youngsters who have volunteered with Festival.

Josh Bell, who is 11, and lives in Poolbrook, Malvern, received the award for Young Volunteer of the Year, following his work as a Festival Teen Champion.

The Teen Champions are Malvern youngsters who have held fund-raising activities including a disco for Acorns Children’s Hospice. 

“When I got the letter to say I was nominated I was shocked but when I actually won I couldn’t believe it,” said Josh.

“I will definitely do more volunteering.”

Festival housing manager Alan Moorhouse said volunteers are “at the heart of what Festival does” in its communities.

“People who give their time and skills as volunteers can get a lot out of it, such as meeting people, developing skills, boosting their CV and knowing that they are making a difference,” he said.

“We want to make sure that we let our volunteers know that we appreciate the contribution they’re making.”