VOLUNTEERS at hospitals across the area were celebrated with a series of special tea parties.

To mark Volunteers' Week, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust held tea parties in recognition of the hard work of the more than 500 volunteers across the trust.

The volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including students, volunteers who give their time during evening and weekends, and those who have retired.

The Trust runs Basingstoke hospital, Andover War Memorial hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

One of the volunteers who attended the tea party at Basingstoke hospital was Jenny Gash, who has been a befriender for the past two years.

Jenny said: “My role is to visit people who have long-term illnesses and would like someone to chat to.

"It’s a great way of making friends whilst also making a difference to the person.

“I decided to work for Hampshire Hospitals because my mum was cared for here and everybody were wonderful to her throughout her stay.

"This is just my way of giving back to the hospital and saying thank you.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals said: “It was fantastic to hear about the wide variety of things that our volunteers do for our patients.

“We are very grateful to all our volunteers for generously giving up their time to support our staff and our patients. They make a real difference in having providing care and support to those in need."