A GROUP of volunteers have been rewarded for their hard work with a special vintage afternoon tea and fashion show.

The event, held at Age UK Bolton’s Learning and Activities Centre in Farnworth, took guests back in time to give them an authentic vintage experience.

The volunteers, who give up their time to work with Age UK, were also welcomed with a glass of Pimms before being shown to their seats by staff dressed in vintage costumes.

The centre was decorated in patriotic bunting and other memorabilia, before guests modelled styles from the 1940’s in a fashion show.

Heather Crook, operations director for Age UK Bolton and event compere said: “Each year we like to take the opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers by staging an event.

“This year, it struck us that we could use a collection of vintage clothing which our Volunteers in Care Homes Co-ordinator uses in reminiscence events in local care homes.

“We thought we could bring the clothes to life by staging a fashion show and bring a little bit of fun into the event too.”

The charity, which was founded in 2009, wouldn’t be able to function without the help of their volunteers.

One of those is 75 year-old Sylvia Wilson, from Over Hulton. She got involved with Age UK after her husband, who had multiple sclerosis, passed away 11 years ago.

She said: “My daughter told me I couldn’t just be sitting around doing nothing.

"I went along to one of the charity meetings where they told me they had a receptionist vacancy.

“It’s such a good experience and I absolutely love it. It has made me feel useful again.

“Being on reception means I’m meeting different people all the time. You get to a point in life where all your family are busy doing things, so it means I can enjoy it with great company.”

Sylvia doesn’t see herself ever giving up her position with Age UK, and says she felt proud to be thanked by the charity.

“The day was absolutely lovely and they went to so much trouble to thank us for what we do,” she said.

“It makes our efforts worthwhile. We know that we are appreciated and it was great to meet other volunteers from other parts of the charity.”

For information on becoming a volunteer for Age UK Bolton visit ageukbolton.org.uk or call Heather Crook on 01204 701525.