A volunteer from Midsomer Norton has been presented with two awards in recognition of her long history of supporting Bath and North East Somerset Council's Home Library Service.

Eileen Colburn began giving her time to the service more than 40 years ago and has been co-ordinating all of the service volunteers for 35 years.

The Home Library Service runs across Bath and North East Somerset and is for readers who have severely restricted mobility and are not able to visit a library in person.

At a tea party yesterday (October 16) to thank Eileen for her support, she was given a B&NES Volunteers Award for long service and a Lifetime Achievement award from the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. She also accepted the trust's Community Group Award on behalf of the Home Library Service.

Councillor Dine Romero, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: "I would like to thank Eileen for her remarkable ongoing support of the Home Library Service and congratulate her and the team for their well-deserved awards.

"There are many housebound people in Bath and North East Somerset who can no longer travel to the library.

"Many of them are lifelong readers who would really miss being able to read different books.

"Opening the cover of a book and entering another world becomes increasingly important if you're unable to step out of your front door, so I would encourage new readers to join and also invite new volunteers to follow in Eileen's footsteps."

The Home Library Service volunteers visit their local library to collect or return books on people's behalf. Readers can specify the titles they want and their areas of interest.

Eileen is stepping down from her co-ordinator role but is still keen to continue as a Home Library Service volunteer.

She said: "I have seen many changes to the Home Library Service since I began to help out in the late 1970s when it was named Books on Wheels.

"I feel privileged to have known so many readers and volunteers over the years and to still be part of something that provides crucial social contact for people, as well as encouraging their enjoyment of books. I welcome new readers and volunteers to join the team."

To enquire about becoming a Home Library Service volunteer, contact June Wentland by emailing [email protected].