Celebrating the borough's committed volunteers

Voluntary Action Rotherham hosted the annual Community Achievement Awards to honour individuals and projects making a difference.

Ex-teacher Ted Ring was named volunteer of the year for his efforts in the name of various causes, including Churches Together in Rotherham, Spires Venues, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and the Sheffield Referee Association.

The 80-year-old described last Friday’s awards ceremony at the Carlton Park Hotel as a humbling experience. 

He said: “I took early retirement from teaching at 51. Since then, I’ve been non-stop volunteering and fortunately, I’ve kept in good health.

“I couldn’t pick a favourite cause... I just love spending time on them all. Here’s looking forward to a good few more years of voluntary work.”

Young volunteer of the year Georgia Pell is an ambassador for Healthwatch Rotherham and helped set up a voice and influence group at homeless charity Rush House.

Georgia said she was proud and grateful to receive the award. She added: “It’s been a long journey for me over the last three years.

“When my name was read out, I just sat there with my mouth open like a fish.”

The project of the year went to Brampton United Junior Football Club, which has seen huge growth since being set up by a group of pals in 2013.

Coaches, committee members and parents volunteer their time to nurture talent and provide social activities. 

Brampton has been named chartered standard club of the year by the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA for the past two seasons.

Club vice chairman  Phil Bradbury said: “It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come, from me and six others starting up three years ago. 

“From 25 or 30 young people, we’ve now got more than 200.”

Voluntary Action Rotherham organises the event on behalf of the Rotherham Together Partnership, which first held an awards night in 2003.