NEARLY 1,000 years of collective voluntary service has been recognised by the Friends of Airedale.

The charity, which is dedicated to improving the patient and visitor experience at Airedale Hospital, has handed out long-service certificates and badges to volunteers.

The 96 recipients are involved in a range of activities at the Steeton site, from running shops and cafes to helping visitors find their way around the building.

And together, the volunteers have clocked-up an incredible 960 years.

The accolades – marking between five and 25 years of individual service – were presented by the hospital’s chief executive, Brendan Brown, at the charity’s annual general meeting at Glusburn Community and Arts Centre.

Three volunteers received certificates and badges celebrating 25 years' service. Eleven people were recognised for notching-up two decades, 14 for 15 years of service, 23 for ten years and 45 for completing five years.

Friends chair, John Lofthouse, pays tribute.

"The combined total of nearly 1,000 years is quite staggering and testament to the incredible hard work put in by our volunteers – of whom we have more than 300," he said.

"Without their dedication and commitment, we simply could not provide the level of service that we do at Airedale Hospital."

He told the volunteers at the meeting: "The past 20 months have been some of the most difficult the charity has ever encountered – and we have got through so far because of wonderful people like you.

"This has been a period of continual change – we have had to adapt as the hospital has moved through the pandemic period. Volunteers who could have been coming through the door to keep the shops running to provide a service for the fantastic staff at Airedale.

"We have understood your enthusiasm to get back to your volunteering roles and your disappointment when this has not been possible. Your voices and continual encouragement and support are what makes you all so valued – and the Friends such a special organisation. I’m pleased to say that groups of volunteers have now returned to their roles, and this is continuing."

The Friends of Airedale support the hospital through undertaking a number of roles at the site and in the community.

They also raise money to buy equipment to benefit patients and in the past have donated between £150,000 and £200,000 worth of equipment and services to Airedale NHS Foundation Trust each year.