A charity that helps families overcome their problems thanked its dedicated volunteers with the help of the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

Home-Start, which is based in Link Drive, Hatfield, gave long service awards to ten volunteers at its annual general meeting, which celebrated its fifth anniversary.

The awards were partly funded by the Welwyn Hatfield Times Target Stamp scheme.

The Welwyn Hatfield branch, which helps parents deal with pressures including health problems and isolation with regular visits, is still in business, despite losing its principal funding, a county council contract,

in September.

Spokeswoman Maggie Varco said: “These awards were partly made possible by our supporters collecting Welwyn Hatfield Times target stamps.

“Our charity is open for business as usual, despite having recently lost core funding.

“We have financial reserves allowing us to continue operating in the short term, and we are actively pursuing other funding sources.

“So if readers know of a family who may benefit from our support, please get in touch.”

Four volunteers abseiled down a church in Watford on Saturday, hoping to raise £1,000 for the branch in sponsorship.

Readers can support them online at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/homestartwelhatabseil