TWENTY-three Good Samaritans from Worcestershire who have given up their free time to help others are to be honoured.

This year is Year of the Volunteer, which aims to recognise the work of volunteers and encourage more people to become involved.

Worcestershire County Council is hosting an award ceremony at which the volunteers will be awarded medals for their work in a variety of areas.

Among those being honoured will be 19 year-old Alex Walls, who lives just off Bath Road, Worcester.

He has helped as a football coach for youngsters in the Tolladine and Brickfields areas of the city, as well as taking part in the Millennium Volunteers project, which aims to encourage youths aged from 16 and 24 to be involved in volunteering.

Alex, who also works as a youth worker and is a part-time student working towards a law degree, said: "Volunteering is as much of getting out of it as what you put in to it.

"I would like to volunteer for ever if I could.

"I am looking at the moment to start mentoring young offenders."

Chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Coun Derek Prodger, will present the volunteers with their medals at the special ceremony.

"Volunteering has existed for a long time so this type of work is very important," he said.

"These unsung heroes all deserve their awards and I am happy to present them on behalf of Worcestershire County Council."

The awards night is due to be held at County Hall on Friday, November 25.