The voluntary sector from the upper Calder Valley were well represented at the second annual Volunteers’ Oscars at the Square Chapel, Halifax. Four drivers from the Todmorden and upper Calder Valley Social Car Service, Dorothy Jordan, Sheila Caine and John Abbott, all from Todmorden, and Daphne Paine, of Mytholmroyd, all received their Oscars at the ceremony as part of Volunteers Week.

And Andrea Aspy and Hazel Howarth of Todmorden Riverside Improvement Group (TRIG) were also awarded Oscars for their work in Todmorden. They were nominated to receive the accolade by the Green Business Network.

Sandra Makin, office manager of the social car scheme, nominated the four drivers for all their hard work for the service.

Volunteer driver and chairwoman of the steering group, Dorothy Jordan, said it was a pleasure driving people.

“Our clients are so grateful for the service we provide and they were very worried last year when there were doubts over its future. Thankfully the funding is secured now.

“It’s really taken the pressure off other organisations like Age Concern, which were spending so much time trying to arrange transport for people. It’s a tremendous asset to the town and I don’t think Todmorden or the rest of the upper valley could do without it now,” said Dorothy, who was delighted with her Oscar.

Andrea Aspy, of TRIG, said Todmorden seemed to be run by volunteers.

“It’s really lovely to have our work recognised in this way. And it’s wonderful to get something other than a certificate,” added Andrea.

The Oscars were awarded to volunteers from all over Calderdale by television actor Paul Opacic and deputy mayor of Calderdale Coun Geraldine Carter. Each volunteer received a statuette, photo and a goodie bag.