I write this letter not because I hold political office and have the great pleasure of working with many volunteers across Essex.

It’s not because I attend Church and listen to the power of volunteering from our local Churches Together Team.

It is not even because I am an Essex girl and feel I know the county I represent quite well.

I write it simply as an observer of the people.

People do not volunteer to grand-stand, save the tax payer money or to be seen as the local ‘super-hero’.

People volunteer because they see it, morally, as the right thing to do.

Volunteers are the back of the community and it is my view that if the volunteers put down their tools the county and indeed the country would grind

to a halt.

In my County Division of Halstead volunteers are all around us.

Every day, and many without even realising it, are holding community and family together just by giving up some of their time to help others.

I am aware of family, friends and colleagues giving up their time over the Christmas period just to make life a little better for those who are lonely or unable to look after themselves.

May I take this opportunity to say “THANK YOU” to all volunteers who make the Halstead Division, the district and the county such a special community.

Often we observe the beautiful flowers growing and on display in Halstead.

Halstead wins Best Town In Britain not because the flowers are so beautifully grown and cared for but because: “the beautiful people care”.

Jo Beavis. County Councillor – Halstead Division.