A NEWPORT Wetlands volunteer who has given up much of his free time to the centre was honoured at a national award ceremony.

Committed Steve Jones, who turns out every weekend for his shift despite holding down a full-time job at HSBC Royal Bank of Scotland in Bristol, was praised for his work at RSPB’s Cymru Centenary awards.

The event congratulated volunteers past and present who have made valuable contributions to the RSPB over the past 100 years.

Mr Jones, 50, manages the maintenance at the Newport site and a team of 12 people who also give up some of their time to help out.

A range of roles are carried out by such groups, including leading wildlife explorer groups and office-based work. Mr Jones said he was delighted to be nominated, receiving a golden curlew pin badge and a signed photograph of the Glaslyn osprey for his efforts.

He said: “I felt so very honoured in receiving the award. It has been such a pleasure volunteering for such a worthy and fantastic charity.”