Leader Dr Andrew Povey paid tribute to the “massive volunteer effort” in Surrey as he awarded a heritage trust £30,000.

At a meeting of the Full Council, Dr Povey announced the county council’s decision to provide the Surrey Historic Buildings Trust with money to help preserve Surrey's architectural heritage in the new financial year.

“The trust does tremendous work for Surrey and I value the sacrifice professional people make giving up their time for this cause,” said Dr Povey.

“Surrey is blessed by having so many people prepared to work tirelessly for good causes and we should do everything possible to support and encourage this.”

He held up volunteers as an excellent example of the benefits to local communities provided by people willing to take on greater civic and personal responsibility.

“I pay tribute to all those who contribute to the massive volunteer effort in Surrey,” Dr Povey said. “As we push on with our determination to be a world class organisation we need everyone to play their part. 

“We will do our bit by providing even better services that give maximum value for money. But improvements also depend on what everyone does. This means residents accepting they have a social and civic responsibility too.

“For example, if we are going to achieve the ambitious target of recycling 70% of our household waste we need residents and businesses to do their bit. The benefits will be more efficient and cost effective services for all of us.”