Volunteers from across the borough were rewarded for their hard work at a ceremony in Southgate last week.

Eighty people who have dedicated more than 100 hours of their time in the past year to helping others in the community were honoured at the event last Thursday.

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor John Marshall, presented them with certificates on behalf of Barnet Voluntary Service Council. The event, at the North London Business Park, was the first of its kind in the borough to mark International Volunteer Week.

Lina Aliskeviciute, 25, of Whetstone, was awarded for her volunteer work at Barnet Volunteer Centre and Barnet Law Service, which she started after graduating from university.

She said: "I had no work experience and needed to build up my confidence.

"I wasn't sure which way I wanted to go with my career but I know now that I want to stay in the voluntary and community sector.

"It was really nice to receive the award and to be recognised for the work I have done."

Barnet Volunteer Centre was launched two years ago and the number of volunteers registering to become involved in the community has exceeded 2,350.

Misha Bhatt-Shibu, the centre's volunteer liaison co-ordinator, said: "Everywhere we look, volunteers play a significant role in our daily life either as volunteer police, carers, mentors or youth workers.

"Barnet Community Vol-unteer Awards signify the important contribution made by all the volunteers in Barnet. It is our way of saying thank you to all the volunteers for their time, effort, commitment and the difference they make."

Mr Marshall said: "The volunteers we are honouring are the salt of the earth. They seek to help others, having as their reward the knowledge of a job well done. Without their help, life for many would change for the worse."