The Prime Minister last night congratulated the voluntary sector for the work it does at a special drinks reception held at Lancaster House, London.

Around 200 voluntary sector workers from small and medium-sized organisations were nominated by the Home Office and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) to attend the event.

Mr Blair said the purpose of the reception was to thank those people who are very often not appreciated for the work that they do. Addressing the audience, he said: “It’s not in government institutions that you notice what is happening in communities. It is only when you go and see what people are doing, often in very difficult circumstances, that you see the difference felt in the quality of life of millions.

“Not enough recognition is given to these people. I want to say thank you for the work you have done, and are going to do – work that plays a vital role within local communities,” he added.