A VOLUNTEER from York has been presented with an accolade of excellence to celebrate his longstanding work for the National Trust.

John Bevers accepted the award for years of service to the trust and in particular his dedication to the it's Yorkshire Volunteer Talks Service.

The award is a rare accolade bestowed by the organisation to its volunteers.

John was recognised for giving hundreds of hours a year of his time to the Volunteer Talks Service since his retirement in 1986.

He has developed, prepared and delivered over 500 talks to more than 10,000 people.

David Ronn, regional director of the National Trust for Yorkshire and the North East, presented the award to John at Treasurer's House, in York.

Helen Clark, of the National Trust for Yorkshire and the North East, said: "Less than one of these awards is handed out a year but John really stood out for us because he went the extra mile, he has been helping us for 20 years and in that time raised thousands of pounds for us.

"We are really grateful for all the effort he has put in to the trust. He would give up about one to two hours a day to helping us and though it doesn't sound much, the amount of personal time he gave us is really something.

"John didn't know he was getting the award, it came as a complete shock to him.

"He completely underestimated the amount of work he put in to the trust.

"He was very pleased when he was presented with the award by Mr Ronn."

"It has been an honour for us to have him as a volunteer for us."