VOLUNTEERS at Wiltshire Museum in Devizes who go above and beyond the call of duty have been recognised in national awards.

The archive and library volunteers’ team has taken the south west prize in the Marsh Trust awards for museum learning in recognition of an outstanding contribution to engaging museum audiences.

Museum director David Dawson said: "We are delighted that the dedication and hard work of our Archive and Library volunteers has been recognised in this way. Over 120 volunteers help and support the museum – welcoming visitors, running children’s activities, helping with events and working with the collections. We could not run our nationally important museum without their help and support.

"The award, won against strong competition from many other museums recognises the work of the volunteer team in running the archive and library without the support of a professional archivist and librarian and updating the catalogues and other procedures to make the collections more accessible for users."

The team were presented with their awards at a ceremony at the British Museum.

Joanna Mackle, deputy director of the British Museum said: "Museums large and small are reliant on the contribution volunteers make to ensure the smooth and successful running of their organisation. The Marsh Awards recognise the vital work that volunteers do in museums across the country and we are very grateful to the Marsh Christian Trust for acknowledging this work."

Wiltshire museum along with other regional winners received a cash prize of £500, donated by the Marsh Christian Trust.

A Marsh Trust spokesman said: "The Volunteers for Museum Learning award recognises the hugely valuable contribution that volunteers make in helping museums engage with their visitors.

"Its aim is to recognise those volunteers who work directly with museum visitors in any capacity. This could involve leading a school group, staffing an information desk, helping with family activities, running a guided tour or any number of other ways in which volunteers provide such excellent service to museum visitors."