A TEAM of volunteers are celebrating after having their tireless efforts recognised by the High Sheriff of Essex.

Tiptree Volunteers was set up to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to collecting shopping and running errands, they have also made a mammoth contribution to the Colchester Foodbank.

Now the selfless seven - Sarah Luisis, Clare Howlett, Carole Hull, Annette Hazell, Alice Dunn, Jamie Cross and Chris Ward - have had their dedication rewarded after receiving special certificates of commendation from Julie Fosh.

The High Sheriff of Essex hand-delivered them during a surprise visit to the group's first AGM.

In an accompanying letter, she praised them for their "considerable efforts" during lockdown and said: "It was so heartwarming to read of your very kind-hearted actions.

"You have made such a positive difference to the lives of so many in your community.

"I wish you all the very best with your plans to continue to support the community as we move forward."

Tiptree Volunteers appealed for people to donate food for them to contribute to the foodbank and, in one week alone, collected and donated 333.80kg.

They completed hundreds of shopping trips, collected prescriptions and made up boxes for Chelmsford and Witham Ambulance Service.

Other smaller errands have included posting letters, ironing and cooking meals.

Mrs Luisis said: "We had scheduled a meeting to discuss forthcoming plans and it was during this meeting we were delighted by a surprise visit from The High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh.

"Julie had contacted Sue Watkins, from I&S Care, who helped arrange our DBS checks, and had secretly arranged to surprise us with our awards at our first AGM.

"It was such a lovely treat for us all.

"My only wish was that I'd known so I could of dressed up for the occasion!"

Tiptree Volunteers recently had cause for a second celebration, having been awarded a £500 grant from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

The supermarket chain has responded to the covid outbreak by setting up a new fund to support communities.

The programme rewards organisations who are supporting vulnerable groups, as part of their emergency response to the pandemic.

The team are in the process of putting together a poster competition for primary school children.

They would like youngsters' help to design a logo and there will be prizes for the best entries.

The competition entry sheet is available via the group's Facebook page.