VOLUNTEERS have been thanked at an event in York which was held as part of a national campaign aimed at rewarding their work.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association hosted a tea party at St Peter’s School as part of its Volunteers Week, with pupils from the school’s community action team taking care of the dogs and puppies who visited the Clifton school.

Pupils from Years 9 and 10 hosted the event for 30 volunteers, with head of mathematics David Spencer playing a piano medley and a musical quiz being organised.

“Without volunteers, Guide Dogs would not be able to successfully run the organisation as we do today,” said the association’s head of volunteering Jo Sullivan.

“There are about 50 different volunteering roles available at Guide Dogs and every single one is so important. We estimate that our volunteers contribute about £28 million worth of work per year, which is just amazing.”

Rebekah Shepherd, regional volunteering advisor for North Yorkshire, said: “Each puppy lives with a volunteer puppy-walker who cares for them until they are between 12 and 14 months of age.

“They teach it basic obedience and walking on the leash, and also get the pup used to different environments, including homes, busy town centres, country lanes and pubic transport.”

The national celebration of volunteering is intended to mark the unpaid contribution made by millions of people across the UK every year.

More information about Guide Dogs is available by phoning 0845 371 7771 or by emailing volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk