VOLUNTEERS with hearts of gold were awarded in a ceremony at Caerphilly council's offices tonight.

Abercarn woman Rita Evans was declared supreme volunteer of the year at Caerphilly County Borough Council's volunteer of the year awards held in conjunction with the Gwent Association of Voluntary Associations, and sponsored by your Campaign Series.

Mrs Evans has dedicated her life to serving her community, caring for the needs of others.

She has been a member of Abercarn and Newbridge Inner Wheel for 32 years and is a past president, has been an active member of Newbridge and District Cancer Research Committee for 14 years and is their chairwoman, has organised Newbridge blood donation sessions for the past 15 years, is an active supporter of the Newbridge Memo restoration appeal, and volunteers at the Bridging the Gap community cafe in Abercarn. She is also the secretary of the New Bethel United Reform Church at Mynyddislwyn.

A Caerphilly council spokesman said: "Rita is a truly amazing person who passionately cares about others, demonstrated by the wealth and breadth of her volunteering."

Gelligaer's Kelly Watts, a mother-of-five, was awarded the new volunteer award for her work with Communities First over the past 18 months. She has helped establish a local parent and toddler group in Gelligaer and has recently joined the committee for Neuadd St Catwg Community Hall and keenly supports the running of the hall.

Steve Wilcox of Llanbradach is the employer-support volunteer of the year. The Caerphilly council worker is a board member for the Smart Money credit union.

James Wilkes of Bargoed wins environmental volunteer of the year for his voluntary work with Groundwork Caerphilly in the past 10 months.

At Trinant allotments - Mr Wilkes created 3D design/plans for Trinant allotments and Ystrad Mynach Day Centre garden, spent two weeks building a community garden at St Dingats Church New Tredegar, becoming a leader, helped build otter holt boxes, and helped build an outdoor learning space at Cwm Gwyddon Primary School.

Risca's Anne Axford is the Record Breaking Volunteer for the longest service as an individual volunteer with more than 20 years helping Ty Sign Primary School leading maths and literacy groups, helping out on sports days and school trips.

Deri Regeneration Group win the practical services adult volunteer group award for working tirelessly since 1996 to transform their village - funding a new community centre, a memorial garden to remember lost loved-ones and hosting the annual Glastonderi Music Festival supporting MacMillan Cancer.

Abertysswg's Mark Cartwright wins the individual section of that award, volunteering for the Sunflower Project befriending and patient feeding group at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.

Single mum Jess Gadd of Caerphilly wins the young volunteer of the year award for her work at the Creative Play project and the Flying Start Pop in and Play Project at Lansbury Park.

Retired senior volunteer award goes to Blackwood woman Mavis Organ treasurer and previously chairwoman of Woodfieldside Senior Citizens Club. She organises and leads a weekly line dancing class for members which is attended by over 30 senior citizens, with varying age ranges, some members have reached the age of 90. She also organises day trips, evenings out, and a variety of entertainment such as choir visits, Chinese auctions, bingo sessions and raffles and is involved in the local neighbourhood watch scheme.

And a second award under that category - as the judges felt both women deserved to win - goes to Tir-y-Berth's Lorna Card.

During her nine years as secretary to Tir y Berth and Glan y Nant Partnership, she actively rallied community members to attend all events she felt may have been of interest to them. She regularly collects on behalf of the Salvation Army and helped formulate a successful Parent and Toddler group (Dots & Tots).

Kane Wilkins of Cross Keys is the inspirational volunteer. The 25-year-old has overcome his own learning disabilities and poor eyesight to support and encourage other young people at Crosskeys Youth Centre and within the local community. Your Campaign is proud to be the main sponsor of the awards.

Managing editor Nicole Garnon said: "The Campaign is very much part of the Caerphilly County Borough community, a newspaper which has a long record of informing and entertaining the people of the area.

"We are delighted to be part of an event which rewards those who are the salt of their towns and villages, people who give up their valuable time to ensure others are helped. We are proud to tell the stories of these local heroes."