VOLUNTEERING stalwarts from Burnham have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

James and Maureen Cousins, both 84, won the Individual Adult Volunteer Award at the Essex County Council Who Will Care awards.

The couple, of Poplar Grove, have been involved with a number of organisations over the years and were recognised for their work.

Mrs Cousins was chair of Age UK Essex for many years as well as being involved with the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, Meals on Wheels, and has been organiser for multiple charities for the elderly.

She also started a community care group in Burnham.

Mr Cousins, using his skills in accountancy, has been a treasurer for number of charities and organisations and manages the Poppy Appeal in Burnham.

Winning the award at the ceremony at Anglia Ruskin University, came as a surprise to the couple.

Mr Cousins said: “It was a very big surprise. It was the first I heard of it.

“We turned up on Wednesday night not knowing who was even shortlisted.

“They come up and they say nice things about you before bringing out this golden envelope - It was a bit like the Oscars really.

“It’s quite an impressive trophy. We have it on the sideboard right now just looking at it.

“It was very enjoyable.”

The awards celebrated inspirational individuals, communities, teams and businesses in Essex that make a difference through the work that they do.

Mr Cousins added: “We came down from the north of England in 1971 and we’ve been involved in community activities both at local and county level since then.

“I was chairman of the Sea Scouts for a while.

“We’ve both always been involved with St Mary’s Church as well.”

Essex cabinet member for culture and communities, Sue Lissimore, said: “I would like to say well done to everyone recognised at the awards and also extend this to the many people, groups and businesses in Essex involved in volunteering- you are a real inspiration to us all.”

These awards began in 2013.

Visit www.essex.gov.uk/whowillcare or www.volunteeressex.org.