The family charity Home-Start Isle of Wight has celebrated the work of its longest-serving volunteer. 

Margaret Rylands has volunteered helping young families for the past 20 years, and has also been a trustee of the charity for the past seven years. 

She has helped 14 different families, offering practical support to those raising their young children. 

Margaret was honoured at a HomeStart ‘cream team’ event for volunteers at Briddlesford Farm on Monday, July 3, where she was presented with a framed print by Island artist Maria Ward.

The presentation was made by Dawn Haig-Thomas, Isle of Wight High Sheriff. 

Margaret said: "It’s a wonderful surprise and I’m glad it's been appreciated - but I also want to say how much fun it has been, with all the different families and different problems, I always feel I’ve benefitted perhaps more than they have.

"If you are thinking of becoming a Home-Start volunteer, remember the difficult times you might have had bringing up your own young children, and think how your experience could help other families." 

Mrs Haig-Thomas said: "Having a young family is a very tough stage - I have children who are now 14 and 12-year-old twins, so I know how it feels.

"Often it can be simply a kind word when someone is at their lowest ebb or it could be some practical support like unloading a washing machine or doing the shopping."  

Home-Start Isle of Wight supports young children and their families from all over the Island, training volunteers and matching them with families and parent groups where their help is needed most. 

Visit the website to find out more about volunteering.