HELPERS at a Bethnal Green centre have been named the volunteer group of the year by housing association the Peabody Trust. The team from the Sundial Centre in Shipton Street received the award in recognition of their work to improve the lives of older

HELPERS at a Bethnal Green centre have been named the volunteer group of the year by housing association the Peabody Trust.

The team from the Sundial Centre in Shipton Street received the award in recognition of their work to improve the lives of older people living in Tower Hamlets.

They group which calls itself S.Age organises day trips, fundraising, social events and activities for older people in their community.

S.Age volunteer Vince Felice said: "After I retired I had no idea what I would do next, but volunteering has given me a reason to wake up in the morning.

"I'm doing things now I would have never done before, taking creative writing classes, photography lessons and making so many friends. It's a lifeline, especially for older people like me."

Sundial Centre manager Surjit Power said: "We're so delighted that S.age have received this award. Their volunteer work has helped break down barriers between generations and improved the lives of countless people living in Tower Hamlets.