A CELEBRATION is on the cards for a couple named volunteers of the year after more than 30 years' dedication to Bewdley Museum.

Angela and Charles Purcell of Hales Park, Bewdley will be attending a ceremony at County Hall in Worcester next month for Volunteer of the Year 2005 regional winners for Worcestershire.

The couple were members of The Friends of Bewdley Museum before the attraction opened in 1972 and have been volunteering ever since.

They run a history room once a week and Mr Purcell, 71, said: "People can come and ask for information about their families and their homes or anything they want to know about Bewdley."

He said he was "flabbergasted" to hear he had been nominated for an award for innovation, adding: "I knew nothing about it. It is nice to know our efforts are being appreciated."

Mrs Purcell, who will receive the award for commitment, said she was "absolutely shocked" when she found out.

They were both nominated by members of The Friends of Bewdley Museum and belong to the Bewdley Historical Research Group, which has produced 17 books on the history of the town.

The awards celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of volunteers in England and the presentation of medals will take place on November 25.

Sue Harper, leisure services manager at Wyre Forest District Council, congratulating the couple, said: "They provide a very valuable service to us at Bewdley Museum, which we are very grateful for."