A BLEDLOW Ridge resident was recognised for his hard work at a star studded event in London, which Martin Freeman and Ben Fogle attended.

Last Thursday Roy Springate, 71, was awarded Volunteer of the Year at the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People annual awards at Regents University.

The awards are designed to celebrate heart-warming stories from life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf people, and to recognise the work of their volunteers and ambassadors.

Roy retired six years ago after 43 years working in aerospace engineering, but he was not ready to hang up his working boots.

Living close to the headquarters of Hearing Dogs in Saunderton so he dropped in one day to see if he could help out on a voluntary basis.

Six years on, and the charity could not imagine being without such a dedicated and hardworking volunteer, which is why they nominated him for the award.

Receptionist Yvonne Stephens said: "Most people think Roy actually works at Hearing Dogs as he’s here so often. There’s nothing he can’t turn his hand to and he has a great sense of humour. The staff here are very fond of him and he’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave."

Roy originally started off walking dogs around the 27 acre site, but soon began helping out at a much greater level by doing any necessary maintenance.

Roy said: "Since I’ve retired from work, volunteering here is great as I still get to be around lots of different people all the time. I do anything and everything that needs doing, and I love it because the people are really friendly and it’s a lovely working environment. It’s so pleasant helping out at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, it’s like another little family."

He was given the award by TV vet Marc Abraham and the awards host Tim Vincent. Meg Mathews was also at the ceremony. Since 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have created over 1,830 partnerships and rely completely on the generous support of the public.