Flo Storey, Naomi Rice and Pauline Allen were recognised for their hard work and dedication in the Lurgan store.

At a special event in Hillsborough Castle Save the Children volunteers gathered from across Northern Ireland with guest of honour the Princess Royal.

‘Volunteer Day’ is an annual event to thank the 500 people who give their time freely to support the organisation and help raise money to fund local and international projects.

Save the Children raised £2 million in Northern Ireland, £500,000 of which was raised directly by the 23 volunteer branches and six shops throughout the province.

Guests from the corporate sector and local celebrities also attended the event. Save the Children wanted to recognise the contribution they make to the organisation - both financial and in kind.

A number of awards were presented at the ceremony to recognise achievement.

Long-service awards were given to 13 Save the Children volunteers. Volunteer branch workers are recognised for 21 years’ service and those assisting in the shops for 10 years’ service.

Jo Keating, fundraising executive for Save the Children, said: “We look forward to meeting the volunteers every year and taking the opportunity to thank them for their tremendous commitment to Save the Children.

“We know that without the support of our volunteers and supporters, Save the Children would not be able to continue its work here at home or overseas.

“We are indebted to every one of them. This was our 56th Volunteer Day, and we wish the branches many more years of successful fundraising.”