More than 500 people who give their time free to help out at Windsor's Thames Hospice had tea with television star Anita Dobson last week.

The tea at Dorney Lake had been organised as part of National Volunteers' Week.

Miss Dobson - still remembered as legendary landlady Ang in EastEnders - is a Thames Hospice ambassador and awarded long service badges to people from across Berkshire and Bucks who had volunteered for up to 30 years.

Volunteers who received their 30-year award were kitchen assistant Joy Collinson, day therapy unit craft assistant Adele Silvey and Sheila Whiteman who helps out in the hospice's vintage and retro shop.

Another 30-year award winner who could not be at the tea is Prue Marsh, who helps out at the Sunninghill shop.

Laundry assistant at the hospice Ruth Jones was celebrating 20 years while 12 volunteers had been helping for 10.

Afternoon tea was served and there were speeches from Thames Hospice board members and Anita, as well as a performance from Windsor and Maidenhead Rock Choir before the awards were given.

Jennifer Bird, Thames Hospice Head of Volunteering, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating Volunteers’ Week in such a beautiful setting. We hope the event went some way to expressing how thankful we are that volunteers donate their time to Thames Hospice – without them we wouldn’t be able to reach and support as many local people as we do.”

Speaking on the day, Anita Dobson said: “I am so privileged to be able to award the people who give their time so selflessly to Thames Hospice - you deserve every accolade you get. I’m very proud to have been asked to be a part of this special occasion.”

For more information on volunteering for Thames Hospice, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/volunteer