WINWICK Leisure Centre was the venue for Home Start Warrington's second annual volunteer awards day.

The charity recruits and trains volunteers to work with families with children in their own homes.

Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, presented certificates to volunteers for having completed an eight-week course of preparation.

Other awards were given for long service and lifetime achievement.

Margaret Rowland, Home Start senior co-ordinator, said: "Helen gave a very fitting speech on how stressful and sometimes frightening it can be for some parents bringing up children.

"The days of extended families providing the support have long gone and Home Start is going the right way in putting that support back in.

"The best possible support is from people who have already been there as parents, using a voice of experience in a non-judgemental, non-patronising way."

The charity asked families to nominate their volunteer for the 'volunteer of the year' award, a category won by Gill Booth, from Lymm.

And Mrs Rowland added: "This day gives us all, staff and families, the opportunity to say a big thank you to all our volunteers who make Home Start what it is - a simple idea that really works."

For more information on Home Start Warrington, based on Manchester Road, next to Formby's, call 652320.