More than 1,200 volunteers who help keeping the wheels of Buckinghamshire turning were honoured by the county council's chairman last week.

Bill Chapple paid tribute to volunteers at a reception evening in Beaconsfield on March 28.

Cllr Chapple said: “We're very fortunate to have a huge number of public spirited people in Buckinghamshire, and I wanted to thank them personally. They really are our unsung heroes and I'm immensely proud of them.

“They give up their time, which is one of the most precious of commodities. They embody the true sense of service and community spirit and if it wasn't for their support many County Council projects just wouldn't run.”

Volunteers help Buckinghamshire County Council deliver services across the county, with more schemes likely to be run by unpaid people in the community in future following government budget cuts to councils.

From Master Composters and walk leaders to school governors and education appeal panel members, these volunteers have helped keep the progress of services going.

Among the about 150 who attended the reception at the Fitzwilliam Centre, Beaconsfield, there were school travel planners, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme organisers, and Simply Walk leaders, who organise walks to encourage people to get fit and stay active.

Another event to honour volunteers took place in Aylesbury.