TWO volunteers at a Pickering charity shop are celebrating after both receiving awards.

Janet Warin travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive the MBE she was awarded in the Queen’s New Year Honours, while student Jake Fletcher received a Higher York Student Volunteering Award at another ceremony.

The pair both work at St Catherine’s Hospice shop, in Pickering, on Saturdays.

Janet received her MBE for a wealth of voluntary work over the years, including helping St Catherine’s and giving countless hours to the Drive Alive days organised by the North Yorkshire road safety team. She and husband David, who received an MBE a few years ago for his voluntary work, got involved with road safety campaigning after their teenage son, Daniel, died in a road accident.

She received her award from Prince Charles watched by David and elder son, Neil, in a ceremony held 20 years almost to the day since Daniel died.

“No matter what we do, the day is normally sad but this year it was so lovely to spend time together in London as a family,” Janet said.

“Prince Charles was Prince Charming. He knew Pickering and asked me if the award was a retirement present. I said no, that we were going to continue and he said he was pleased to hear it.

“We congratulated him on his new granddaughter and he just beamed.”

Back in North Yorkshire, Jake was receiving an award in a scheme which celebrates the voluntary work of students studying in York.

He received his certificate from the Lord Mayor of York, Ian Gillies, and was interviewed by Look North’s Harry Gration.

Jake said: “I really enjoy working at the hospice shop it’s good to work in a team and to meet people from all walks of life.

“I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for voluntary work.”

Sarah Bayes, manager of the Pickering hospice shop, said she was delighted that Janet and Jake had both received awards.

“I’ve got a fantastic team here and it’s great to see their hard work recognised,” she said.

The Pickering hospice shop and other branches in Ryedale at Malton and Helmsley are always looking for more volunteers.

Anyone interested should phone volunteer services manager Ian Marshall on 01723 351421.