The dedication and commitment of Sutton’s volunteers was honoured at an event in Sutton Council’s Europa Gallery.

The breakfast on Friday, June 7 brought together politicians, members of Volunteer Centre Sutton and volunteers to celebrate the huge contribution volunteers make to the borough.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of Sutton Council, said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our civic society. The world would be a sadder and more difficult place without them.”

Your Local Guardian: Councillor Ruth Dombey 

Guests also enjoyed a video by Carshalton College media students which focused on the benefits of volunteering.

Sutton Volunteer Centre has welcomed 3,825 new members in the last year.

Chris Parker, chief executive of Volunteer Centre Sutton, said: “Volunteers are often humble people filling vital roles for no reward. Sutton has a proud heritage of those people and I would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank them all today.”