Volunteers who carry out conservation work at Rufford Abbey country park in all weathers have been saluted by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The council manages the park and recognised the volunteers at the annual Greenwood Community Awards.

Culture Committee chairman Coun John Knight said: “Their contribution is fantastic and we are grateful for everything they, and all of our volunteers do at Rufford each year, and how they go out of their way and give so much time to help.”

Assistant site manager Leanne Wombwell added: “There are some real benefits to volunteering, like helping to stay fit and healthy and socialising.

“It also gives people vital skills to help with future employment opportunities.

“We would be keen to hear from others aged 18 or above who wants to involved.”

If you are interested, contact Leanne via email at [email protected] or call 01623 821338.

The volunteers include retired couple George and Susan Thompson, who make the 60-mile round trip from their home in Doncaster.

George, 65, and Susan, 64, clear away dead branches, work in the wetlands and take part in activities such as hedge-laying. And if snow falls, they help clear paths and lay grit in the car parks to aid other visitors.

George is a retired IT engineer and Susan was a primary school teacher. She said: “We love Rufford. It is a wonderful country park. We enjoy the fresh air and the outdoors. Rufford’s history of Cistercian monks means it offers quite a zen-like atmosphere at times, so it is great for reducing stress.”

Other long-term volunteers include Phil Kerr, of Tuxford, and Linda Bantoft, of Farndon. Phil, 84, is the oldest volunteer and works in the park every Monday from spring.

He gets a lift from a friend each week from his home and said: “I love Rufford and really enjoy the volunteer work.

“I would do more if I lived closer to the country park and recommend it to others as a great opportunity to get involved.”