FRIENDS of Airedale volunteers have been recognised for long service.

Twenty-nine people who volunteer with the charity, which supports Airedale Hospital, have received awards.

Together, the cohort has clocked up 325 years' service.

Certificates were handed out to mark five, ten, 15, 20 and 25-year milestones.

The presentation was made at the Friends of Airedale annual general meeting by Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, who paid tribute to the volunteers' work.

She said: "These certificates recognise the amazing commitment to the hospital of our volunteers, whose hard work and service makes an enormous difference to the patient and visitor experience at Airedale.

"We know that regular users in particular really appreciate what they do."

The meeting also saw Alison Dixon confirmed as the new chair of the Friends of Airedale board of trustees.

She has been a volunteer at the Steeton hospital for 22 years, and acting chair of the trustees for five months. She takes over the role from John Lofthouse, who stepped down in the spring.

Appointed as trustees were Joan Godfrey and Lee Orviss, who is also the new treasurer.

Friends of Airedale volunteers provide support by carrying out a number of roles within the hospital and in the community.

The charity also raises money for equipment to benefit patients.