ENTHUSIASTIC volunteer Michael Ward received a prestigious award from English Nature to mark years of dedicated service at a nature reserve.

Mr Ward, 26, has been assisting English Nature's field staff at Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve, Silverdale, for six years.

English Nature's volunteer awards are made each year to those volunteers who have given exceptional service on national nature reserves, and just ten awards are made each year.

Mr Ward, of Ackenthwaite, Milnthorpe, received his award at the Gait Barrows volunteers' Christmas party.

It was presented by Robbie Bridson, former team manager of English Nature in Lancashire, on behalf of Baroness Young of Old Scone.

She made the award as one of her last duties as English Nature's chairman, before leaving to become chief executive of the Environment Agency.

Rob Petley-Jones, site manager for Gait Barrows, commented: "Michael has been a tremendous support over the past six years, and has worked closely with me in many critical areas of our work.

As a local man he is an ambassador for the reserve in the community, and his enthusiasm and commitment to his work are a strength to the whole team of volunteers on the reserve.

"The real driving force behind this enthusiasm is Michael's genuine passion for Gait Barrows as a wild and exciting place, and I sincerely hope that he will be able to continue with his tremendous effort for a good many years."

Dr Will Williams, team manager for English Nature in Lancashire, said: "We are always happy to welcome new volunteers to help with our rewarding but challenging work on the national nature reserves, and anyone who is interested in helping should contact their local English Nature office, in Kendal or Wigan."