World class racing driver and former Formula 1 star Mark Webber has sent a message of congratulations to award-winning volunteers at High Wycombe’s Chiltern Rangers.

Celebrations were slightly less high profile than the Australian driver’s usual champagne-fuelled days at the top of the podium, but the Chiltern Rangers were still jumping for joy after being named Enterprising Charity of the Year 2016 at the recent Bucks Enterprise awards.

As a Buckinghamshire resident, living in Aston Clinton, 39-year-old Webber has witnessed first-hand the work of the social enterprise which works to enhance and preserve woodlands.

And hailing the award, he said: “A big well done to Chiltern Rangers for winning this award. I often see the team working hard when I’m out walking the dogs or riding my mountain bike locally.

“They’re a great organisation that do a fantastic job of bringing people and nature together in a fun way that benefits the community and allows us all to enjoy our local outdoor spaces a little easier.”

Chiltern Rangers has worked with more than 800 volunteers from the nearby community, since setting up in September 2013.

The group works all across the county and most recently revitalised part of the river in High Wycombe town centre, running part the police station, fire station and Wycombe Swan.

Chiltern Rangers managing director, John Shaw, said: “Winning the award was amazing and to have a message like this from someone as inspirational as Mark really is the icing on the cake.

“I know Mark also does a lot of work with young people through the Aylesbury College Trust and his foundation, which encourage volunteering and active lifestyles and that’s a big part of what we’re about too.

“This really means a lot and I hope it will help inspire some extra people to come on board.”

For more information, visit www.chilternrangers.co.uk