Work to support volunteers who make lives brighter for children and families in Coalville and across Leicestershire has been officially recognised.

Helping deliver food to 'community fridges', offering support to young families, supervising 'stay and play' sessions and being there while youngsters are interviewed by police, are just some of the roles residents are involved in.

Community Fridges are places which rescue food from going to landfill, just because it is close to its best before date - and there is one in Coalville, at the Children and Family Wellbeing Centre, 3, High Street.

Volunteers work with a charity called Hubbub to collect donations and are open to anyone to take food.

Now Leicestershire County Council's Children and Families Wellbeing Service has been granted the prestigious Investing in Volunteers Award for the fourth time.

The 'quality mark' was awarded thanks to its work to support its 150 or so adult volunteers and a growing number of young volunteers who work with children, young people and/or their parents across the county.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, county council cabinet member for children and families, said: "We have some truly wonderful passionate and dedicated volunteers who make a real difference to our families' lives, and we would like to say a huge thank you to them for all that they do.

"We are proud to receive this award as it acknowledges our commitment to support them and their amazing work."

Harpreet, a Wellbeing Cafe volunteer who supports parents and adults in the community, said: "I was told that I would get more back than I would give. I was sceptical… but they were right!

"Volunteering has helped give me a purpose and with fitting into my community."

Another volunteer added: "Social interaction through volunteering is magic!"

The service was assessed against six quality areas and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers. These included recruiting and welcoming volunteers, supporting them and valuing and developing their skills.

For more on volunteering with Leicestershire County Council, click HERE.