What’s thought to the the first Platinum Award for young volunteers in North Essex has been given to a member of the Pens and Dragons group in Brightlingsea.

Vee Matthews’ achievement was marked at a first anniversary event on Saturday, April 25, for the group, which has developed to provide a welcoming space for dozens of young people to take part in role-playing and other games, hear stories, build with Lego and more.

Paul Phillips, of Essex Youth Service, said of Vee’s award: “It requires hundreds of volunteering hours, as well as planning, delivering and leading events and activities for the local community, and mentoring other young volunteers.”

Bronze award winners Aimee Alexander and Corban Grinstead with Brightlingsea mayor Chris Paveley and Paul Phillips of Essex Youth Service

Also recognised with Bronze Awards were Aimee Alexander, Corban Grinstead and Alfie Hammond. The certificates were presented by Brightlingsea mayor Chris Paveley, who praised the work of the group, who said: “I’ve never seen this level of enthusiasm and committment.”

Pens and Dragons meets in the ‘Dragon’s Nest’ in Marsh’s yard, behind the Victoria Café in Victoria Place. For more information, see the group’s Facebook page.

• Brightlingsea WinterFest has praised the work of three Colne Community School pupils who helped at this year’s Winterfest Wellbeing Day, which was attended by over 1,000 people. Lilly Stead, Emily Canham and Lily Buckland, who volunteered to help with the refreshments, were “courteous, helpful and worked well with the whole team, making the event really special”.