MORE than 300 volunteers will meet in Oxford tonight to celebrate a decade of voluntary work across the county.

The annual event, organised by Oxford Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) will see a variety of charity and volunteer awards presented to people who have been nominated for having a positive impact upon Oxfordshire's most needy.

Collaboration and communications officer Gillian Warson said the event at Oxford Town Hall would see volunteers presented with prestigious awards by the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sherriff.

She said: "The awards are incredibly important because they celebrate the commitment of the voluntary sector in the area at this time.

"It is a great opportunity to celebrate the success of the voluntary sector in these difficult times because what they do is very important.

"We're looking forward to celebrating their fantastic work at the awards ceremony on Wednesday night and to congratulating them for all of their hard work."

Ms Warson said OCVA also wanted to thank companies and individuals which had provided funding for the entirely sponsored event.

She said: "I'd like to say a big thank you for the sponsorship because it's allowed us to thank and recognise the people who deserve it."

The Oxford Mail will be publishing the results of the winners later in the week.