Without volunteers charities across the county would not be able to do some of the fantastic work for their communities and raise the vast sums that allow them to keep going.

One charity in Norfolk has gone the extra mile to show its support for its volunteers by hosting a party for more than 100 of them in Norwich.

The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) held its annual volunteers reception at its Bradbury Activity Centre, Edward Street.

The party recognised the contributions made by volunteers to the charity's team of more than 250 volunteers, who help by running sports and leisure activities, advising at eye clinics, driving, fundraising, escorting and guiding,and working in the charities equipment and information centre.

The lord mayor of Norwich David Fullman and the mayor of Great Yarmouth Kerry Robinson-Payne presented long service certificates to a number of volunteers who have reached significant milestones.

It was a special event for Malcolm Ireson and Carol Clarke who both received long service awards after notching up 20 years of volunteering at the charity.

Also receiving certificates for their work were Robert Knight, 15, Dennis Bartrum, 10 and Alice Lince, David Street and Keith Riley, all five-years-old.

Acting chief executive Julie Lythgoe said: 'Without our wonderful volunteers we would simply not be able to offer the range of services that we do to visually impaired people across Norfolk,

'We are incredibly lucky not just to have so many of them, but because they are also incredibly loyal.

'The demand for our services continues to grow, and we would very much welcome anyone who is thinking of becoming a volunteer. It is a richly rewarding thing to do.'

The NNAB is the fifth oldest association for the visually impaired in the UK, working with them for more than 211 years.

Anyone who would like more information about becoming a volunteer for the NNAB can contact office@nnab.org.uk or call 01603 629558.