To the people who run the Royal Star and Garter home in Surbiton their volunteer force of nearly 50 is priceless.

Indeed, bosses say the place might not function without them.

This week long-serving volunteers, as well as newer recruits, were honoured at a reception.

Shirley Pass began volunteering 21 years ago when her father, Leslie Boswell, a former merchant seaman, entered the Richmond home.

She said: "We just got thrown in at the deep end. We started volunteering straight away. We started off by doing holidays and outings, and just carried on from there.

"It's enjoying helping the residents and hearing all their stories - there are a lot of stories."

Her speciality, manicures, has earned her plenty of fans, both men and women. She added: "Obviously the men don't get nail varnish but it's quite a popular thing."

Long service awards
Five years: Michael Fletcher
10 years: Julie Gunner
20 years: Peter Hailey, Margot Hayhoe, Dennis and Patricia Stickley

Since the charity relocated the Richmond home to Upper Brighton Road in Surbiton in 2013, Irene Rowe, who lives in Berrylands, has been bringing her pet lurcher Harvey, seven, to the home under the pets-as-therapy scheme.

She said: "He's a very placid dog. He's got his favourites - the ones who sneak a biscuit now and again.

"We've met some lovely people here and he brings a lot of joy to people. People who have had pets, it's nice for them to have the contact of animals."

Surrey Comet:

Long service: Peter Hailey has volunteered for 20 years

Dennis and Patricia Stickley, of Malden Rushett, used to run the shop in the Richmond home. They were honoured for 20 years' service on Tuesday.

Mrs Stickley said: "We heard they needed helpers. We've enjoyed it. Years ago people used to make jam and honey and bring it into the home for them to sell - it was very good for them.

"Come Christmas at Richmond you could walk in, walk through and look down on to the river. It was lovely on a frosty morning."

Mr Stickley added: "Somebody's got to run it, haven't they? They are such nice people to have alongside."