The kind-hearted dedication of five Vale of Leven Hospital volunteers has been acknowledged with accolades for their long service.

Patricia Green and Anne Tyler each received awards for clocking up five years helping out at the hospital.

Isobel Smith and Christine Brysiand, who have each served ten years as volunteers, were also commended.

And Alison Larking also received an award for an impressive 20 years as volunteer at the hospital.

The women were part of a group of 38 Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) volunteers from across the region who attended the ceremony at The Merchants’ House of Glasgow, where they received their medals from Ian Dickson, Lord Dean of Guild at the organisation.

There are 284 RVS volunteers in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s hospitals who work in the shop and cafes, do trolley rounds and help visitors at ‘meet and greet’ desks.

Dorothy McErlean, employee director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “It’s a pleasure to mark the great achievement of these volunteers and thank them for giving their time to support the work of the Royal Voluntary Service and brighten the days of many of our patients.

“RVS volunteers are special people who make a big commitment to serve our staff, patients, and relatives in cafes, shops and trolley services across our hospitals. It goes without saying that their dedication deserves our thanks for that commitment and, hopefully, these long service awards go some way in showing our gratitude.”

A gift of £250,000 was also presented to the health board by the RVS – the money being a proportion of the profits taken from the eight cafés and shops the charity runs across the area’s hospitals.

Andrew Roberts, Head of Retail Operations (North) at the RVS, said: “The money was raised through the hard work and efforts of our dedicated volunteers who help RVS in its work to support the NHS as well as older people in their homes and in the community. The volunteers hugely enjoy their work and it is very much appreciated by everyone who uses the services.”

If you’re interested in volunteering with the RVS, contact Caroline Maxwell on 0141 201 0493 or email westglasgowach@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk