Ninety parishioners from the twenty- four parishes attended, having been nominated by their respective clergy, and all are people who, over the years, have engaged in purely voluntary work, but whose contribution to parish and community has previously not been given public recognition.

The reception afforded an occasion to laud and thank these parishioners for their work and through them to thank all others who do similar excellent voluntary work throughout the united dioceses.

Bishop Colton said: "This event offers a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers without whom many core activities in the modern church and community would never happen, for example, community care, educational support, youth events and recreational activity."