A group which has expanded the number of volunteers they have from a dozen to around 200 in just 12 months due to Covid-19, has been recognised for its 'great and valuable service' to the Alsager community.

Liz Pinkney, founder and volunteer manager at Alsager Community Support (ACS), and the volunteers at ACS were recently presented with one of only five annual awards for volunteering by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Nicolas Hopkinson MBE, DL.

The group of volunteers who were nominated by Alsager Town Councillor Sue Helliwell received the award in recognition of their 'great and valuable service to the community'.

The Covid-19 emergency has affected all our lives in many ways, but one of the good things to happen has been that the pandemic has given many of us more time and opportunity to help other people.

This time last year, ACS had only about a dozen volunteers – now they have around 200!

Mrs Pinkney said: "Every one of our volunteers has played a part in attaining this, so thank you all for the excellent work you have been doing in and around Alsager.

"I am so grateful to all our volunteers who have made such a difference to our community.

"Thank you for all your efforts, we couldn't have done it without you. This award is for you."