An group that helps blind people held a special tea party to say thank you to its dedicated team of volunteers yesterday.

In a packed hall at the Church of Christ the King in Bramley Road, Enfield, Barnet and Enfield Association for the Blind showered volunteers with tea and cake.

Among the crowd were 91-year-old Irene Humble who is blind, and her helper Sandra Roeder, 55, from Finchley Central.

Mrs Humble, who lives in North Finchley, said: “We were paired up together 13 years ago and we just became friends. Sandra meets me once a week and helps me with shopping and we have a chat or go for a walk – I really like to be outdoors to get some fresh air and be able to smell the trees.”

The pair first bonded over their love of dogs and have enjoyed trips away together.

Mrs Roeder said: “My husband is partially sighted so I thought I’d try out volunteering 13 years ago. I enjoy getting together with Irene and it’s nice for her to be able to get out and about sometimes.

“To have a day celebrating volunteering is great – I really appreciate it.”

Volunteers were also treated to entertainment from singer and pianist Lissa Hermans, who sang the National Anthem at the Olympics closing ceremony.

Mayor of Barnet Councillor Melvin Cohen also dropped in to say how proud he was of their contribution to society.

He said: “I’m particularly pleased that the borough has been blessed with an abundance of volunteers.

“Without these volunteers many of our charitable organisations would not be able to function.”