A couple who have been helping run a youth club in Attleborough for 40 years have been honoured with a special award for their contribution to the town.

Hilda Darkins, 70, and her husband Robin, 73, (pictured) were given certificates of appreciation, medals and a winners' cup for their efforts at the mayor's civic reception at Attleborough Town Hall.

Mr and Mrs Darkins said they were delighted to have won the award, which followed their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

They said they had always enjoyed volunteering at the club for seven to 13-year-olds.

Mrs Darkins said: 'I'm usually in the tuck shop. I've always liked talking to the children.'

Mr Darkins added: 'Now we are seeing the children of the people who used to come in themselves.'

The club meets at the hall behind the Methodist Church in London Road and is informally called the 'Tuesday club'.

About 70 people, including many parish and town mayors from across south Norfolk, were at the reception.

Attleborough mayor Jeremy Burton said: 'This is a great chance to say thank you to everyone in the voluntary sector who works so hard for our community.'

As well as the youth club volunteers, the civic reception saw Mr Burton present certificates of appreciation to litter picker John Kemble Taylor, lollipop man Melvin Hern, East Anglia Ambulance Service's Brett Norton, first responder Andrew Barlow, retained firefighter Luke Hancock, PCSO Gary Szarbo, Attleborough police Inspector Joanne Warmsley, PC Steve Howard and community cars co-ordinator Stuart Shearer.

Others to be recognised at the town hall reception included retired Lions club member John Haynes; Lions club president Sue Cowee; Tourist Information Centre volunteer Dorothy Wright; Attleborough Football Club's Roger Thompson; and Attleborough Boxing Club's Mel Dennis.

Do you know someone inspirational? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk