A woman from Kings Langley was one of 250 volunteers to be thanked at a special tea party event over the weekend hosted by The Hospice of St Francis.

The event was the inspiration of new CEO Steve Jamieson, who gave a short speech thanking the hospice volunteers for the valuable contribution they make to the care the charity provides and for their dedication.

The special gathering, held at the end of National Volunteers' Week, was held in the hospice gardens, off Shootersway in Berkhamsted, and was attended by volunteers of all ages working across all areas of the hospice including its shops, patient care, gardening and fundraising.

Pat Dunn, who lives in Water Lane, Kings Langley has volunteered for the hospice for 10 years, working once a week in its Abbots Langley shop.

She picked up her long-service award during the afternoon, which she attended with her daughter Corinne Stewart, She said: "I absolutely love my once-a-week role at the Abbots Langley shop chatting to customers and sorting out the stock.

"It's been super to come to the hospice gardens and see them in the glorious sunshine."

Thirteen volunteers were recognized for their long service during the afternoon, receiving a pin badge marking their years' service plus a commemorative certificate.

Gillian van der Merwe, voluntary services manager, said: "I am so pleased we were able to welcome so many of our volunteers to the hospice.

"It was wonderful to hear the sounds of animated conversation in amongst the clinking of tea cups and live music and to be able to give our volunteers something back in recognition of all they do for us."

Hospice CEO Steve Jamieson added: "Our volunteers give so much of their time and expertise and I felt it was only right we should hold an event to recognise their massive contribution."