THE leader of Somerset County Council has praised the work of Somerset’s army of willing flood relief volunteers.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Volunteers Week, which runs from 1 to 7 June and celebrates the fantastic contributions that volunteers make across the country.

Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr John Osman said: “Earlier in the year, parts of Somerset experienced major flooding when the value of our volunteers was there for the world to see.

“Communities pulling together to work along-side public services and other organisations in a time of crisis; they were, and still are, absolutely fantastic.

“I want to thank all of the volunteers who contribute so much to their communities and their county. “Volunteers are unsung heroes who step-up to the mark on a daily basis across Somerset and truly are the heartbeat of our county.”

Somerset Emergency Volunteers are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of National Volunteers Week with the support of Somerset County Council.

SEV has been set up with funding from Somerset County Council and is now coordinating flood volunteers who have been clearing flood-damaged properties, streams, flood damaged gardens, removed trees, cleared hedges and ditches.

Paula Blight, Chief Officer from Mendip Community Support said: “The volunteers have been a lifeline to the community here on The Levels – other parts of the country flooded but it was only Somerset where communities worked together, the volunteers are a brilliant example of the valuable contribution volunteers can make.”

For more information visit: www.scvolunteering.com or www.do-it.org.uk.