A dedicated duo were wined and dined at the Houses of Parliament as they were honoured as volunteer heroes for years of hard work in the community.

Joan Spye, 71, and Thelma Lloyd, 68, of Canvey's Age Concern, rubbed shoulders with MPs at a tea party held on the terrace of the House of Commons at Westminster.

The devoted pair of pensioners were awarded for their outstanding contribution to the community through their work with the old people's organisation.

Both women were instrumental in setting up Age Concern on the island, which now acts as a lifeline to many elderly people with its two weekly luncheon clubs.

Mrs Spye, Age Concern's president, said she accepted her award on behalf of everyone involved with the organisation.

She said: "It was very nice to have the tea and scones on the terrace with all the other volunteers.

"We were very well looked after by Bob Spink and it was interesting to see a lot of people had been nominated for their work as carers.

"I love going to Parliament - it always brings back good memories, as my father was an MP."

Mrs Lloyd, Age Concern's treasurer, said: "It was a lovely day for the tea and we feel very honoured to have received this accolade."

The pair were nominated by Castle Point MP Bob Spink for the volunteer awards.

He said: "It has been a pleasure to know these ladies and their work for many years.

"Both work tirelessly for the elderly, and show selfless dedication to their cause and bring comfort and happiness to hundreds of elderly people.

"They were nominated from a number of sources, including Age Concern 'top brass' who wrote to me especially to say the award would be much deserved."

Age Concern was set up in the mid-Nineties and moved to its current base in the Paddocks centre, in Long Road, seven years ago.