VOLUNTEERS from Malvern and Ledbury were among those commended for two decades of commitment to St Michael's Hospice at a ceremony in Hereford Cathedral on Sunday.

Nearly 600 people attended a thanksgiving service, held to mark the hospice's 20th anniversary.

Special awards were given to 41 people who were part of the hospice team during its first week and have served it without a break for the past 20 years.

The Malvern and Ledbury residents to be given awards were: Carolyn Beves, a hospice receptionist from Ledbury; Rene Eaton, a volunteer at the St Michael's Hospice shop in Ledbury; Peter Harling, a past board member; Anne Blandford, a hospice volunteer from Ledbury; Julia White, a hospice reception- ist from Ledbury; Val Taylor, a nurse from Cradley; and Pat Cox, a member of the Malvern Hills Support Group for St Michael's Hospice.

Mr Brooks said of the volunteers: "They give of their time and possessions without expectation of reward, because they see it as their duty to share in the responsibility for the wellbeing of this very special place."

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Hills Support Group for St Michael's Hospice is holding a bazaar.

The event runs from 10.30am to 1.30pm at The Lyttleton Well, in Church Street, and will feature stalls and refreshments.

Admission costs 50p for adults, children are free.