Peak District national park volunteer rangers' representatives receive their Excellence in the Community Award from Derbyshire County Council leaders: from left, Terry Page, Rose Clarke, Andrea Pedley, Neville Sparrow, Councillor George Wharmby, Nick Robinson, Councillor Andrew Lewer, Jean Cullen, Kathie Cutter, Frank Milner, Margaret Black and Eric Wood

A national park’s volunteer rangers have been recognised for their work with vulnerable groups.

The Peak District’s 300-strong volunteer team picked up an Excellence in the Community award for their help with people with disabilities and special needs, and those with health problems.

The award, from Derbyshire County Council, was presented for the volunteers’ work providing guided walks, cycle rides and environmental learning activities for groups across the national park.

National Park area ranger Rose Clarke, who led the nomination, said: “I’m delighted for the volunteers. It’s a recognition of the hard work and continuous commitment of all the volunteer rangers involved in these projects.

“But it also serves as a big thank you to the whole volunteer ranger service for its support in helping people from all backgrounds enjoy and understand their national park.”

The rangers were among 80 other groups, selected from several hundred nominations, to receive Excellence in the Community awards at a presentation ceremony in the University of Derby’s Devonshire Dome in Buxton.

The awards were presented by Derbyshire County Council chair Councillor George Wharmby, and all the groups were thanked by council leader Councillor Andrew Lewer and chief executive Nick Hodgson.

Volunteer rangers undergo a lengthy training course before receiving accreditation, including field trips, navigation, safety and first aid training. Some have been volunteering for more than 40 years.