A Hampshire-based charity caring for older people has become the only organisation of its kind in England to be accredited for both residential and community-based work. Brendoncare is now fully accredited by Investing in Volunteers, which is the only standard that focuses on volunteers. Brendoncare's chief executive Ron Staker, said: “Our volunteers are an integral part of Brendoncare and this award recognises their amazing contribution. Last year they gave 45,000 hours of their time - each hour worth its weight in gold.”

Brendoncare has over 600 volunteers, who perform roles such as running clubs for older people living independently in the community, or supporting residents in one of the charity's ten care centres. Julie Lamont, a volunteering manager, said: “As an organisation Brendoncare was assessed against a range of best practice standards and we've excelled in all aspects of our work with our volunteers.”