The 85 volunteers work across Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust’s Newark, King’s Mill and Mansfield Community hospitals

Volunteers who have dedicated a combined total of 1,100 years’ service to their local hospital have been recognised with awards.

A total of 85 volunteers, who work across Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust’s Newark, King’s Mill and Mansfield Community hospitals were presented with long service awards, ranging from five to 40 years.

It took place in Newark Town Hall’s ballroom.

A similar ceremony also took place on Tuesday in Mansfield.

Chairman of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust John MacDonald said: “My congratulations and sincere thanks to all who have received their special awards.

“It is a privilege for me to be able to extend the thanks of the trust board, the Council of Governors and our staff to these exceptional volunteers.

“Our volunteers make a huge difference in enriching the patient and visitor experience across our hospitals, and provide invaluable support to our staff, enabling them to deliver a range of high quality patient services.”

The longest serving volunteer for Newark Hospital is Jane Combes, from Balderton, who has been volunteering for the hospital for 40 years.

Over 40 years ago, Jane visited a relative who was a patient at the old hospital site on London Road. After her visit she decided she would like to give something back to the hospital and so enrolled as a flower volunteer.

Following the hospital’s move to its current site in 1994, Jane extended her voluntary duties to start helping in the refreshment areas, on the help desk, manning various fundraising stalls and undertaking patient surveys.

As well as volunteering for the hospital, Jane was also bringing up her family, and owning a successful catering business with her sister, which they ran for over 20 years.

Since retiring five years ago, Jane continues to keep very busy.

She is a trustee of the Friends of Newark Hospital and is on the committee for a local housing association.

In 2016 Jane was awarded the Volunteer of the Year at the Trust’s Staff Excellence Awards for her valuable contribution to Newark Hospital services.

Jane said: “I really enjoy volunteering. It is so nice to help people and give something back.

“I really enjoy working at Newark Hospital and I have encouraged others to volunteer over the years, because I know how rewarding it can be.

“The volunteers service was such a lovely afternoon and it was great to celebrate with fellow volunteers.”