IT IS said that service to others is the rent you pay for your room on Earth.

If that is so, then all those honoured at last night's Inspiring Volunteers Awards 2011 ceremony need never worry about meeting that particular bill. Because as we highlight in our reports on Pages 6 and 7, Plymouth is blessed with some exceptional men, women and young people who are doing so much to improve the lives of others and benefit the communities in which they live. Their achievements are varied, the fields in which they operate are wide – but all are united by a common thread of selflessness. Today we are proud to highlight these unsung heroes and heroines whose good deeds are often carried out away from the glare of publicity, and put them in the spotlight for all that they do.

All deserve the highest praise and public recognition for their efforts in making Plymouth a better place to live.

Volunteer Team of the Year winners the Plymouth Street and School Pastors give up their Friday and Saturday evenings to help people in the city centre after dark; they also patrol schools during term times. So many have good reason to be thankful to them for their efforts.

Similarly, the surgeons and theatre nurses from Plymouth who travel to Ghana in their own time and at their expense to carry out hernia operations, have transformed the lives of thousands of patients. They received the Paul Harris Fellowship award from Plymouth Rotary Club.

Nearer home, the Panel's Choice award went to foster carer and voluntary counsellor John Newcombe, who began volunteering more than 40 years ago and since then has helped countless people through his efforts. Meanwhile the kindness of Plymouth City Council's East Zone refuse crew, who brighten the life of a youngster who is almost completely deaf, earned them the Good Deed award.

Young people figured prominently in the roll call of honour, including Motivocean – students who work with Surfers Against Sewage to clean up marine litter; the Devonport Guildhall Crew, which focuses on community engagement in the area; Kerry Whittlesea, aged 15, a member of the Plymouth Youth Cabinet; and Dan Wakelin, aged 22, who volunteers with the Youth Service and Out Youth.

Karl Blacker was rewarded for his work within the Plymstock football scene; former Royal Marine and tetraplegic Ian Bullen was honoured for his work with Plymouth Age Concern's Phone Friends Service; while Maggie Grant, aged 71, was recognised for her 35 years in the volunteering sector.

What wonderful, caring people – we salute them all.