A year of hard work was worth all the effort when volunteers heard those two little words 'thank you'.

More that 60 voluntary workers from Menston received a civic pat on the back for their work in the community from the Lord and Lady Mayoress, of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman and his wife Elizabeth.

The special day was held at the Kirklands Community Centre, on Main Street, Menston, on Tuesday.

Youngsters from Menston Primary School's choir and music group entertained the volunteers.

Guests included representatives from community organisations, religious groups, the charity support groups and Scouts and Guides.

It was the first Civic Thank You event of the year to be held in the Bradford District and Menston was at the top of the Lord Mayor's list.

"We want to say a personal thank you to some the many good-hearted people who work very hard putting a tremendous amount of their own time and energy into their local communities," said Coun Wightman.

"This event gives us the opportunity to show how much their efforts are appreciated."

Organisations included Menston Cares, Menston Brownies, Menston Art Club, Menston Women's Fellowship, Ellar Gardens Residents Association and Kirklands Monday Retired Group.

Margaret Christelow, of Menston Cares, was invited to the ceremony to acknowledge the work the group had done since it began last year.

"I think it is very nice to be acknowledged. It was very thoughtful of them to invite us to recognise all the work that we do," she said.

The group looks after and cares for people in the community and is in need of volunteers to become Good Neighbours to look after ten to 20 people on their street.

Anyone interested can contact David Brown on 01943 873875.

Representatives from St Mary's comprehensive, Menston Primary School and Menston Pre-school also attended.

Members of Menston guides, brownies and rangers attended.

District Guide Dilys Rawling said: "I have been involved with the guides for 30 years and I get a lot of fun out of it.

"It is very popular in Menston and a lot of the classes are full, but we are in urgent need of volunteers to help us lead the children. Anyone interested can call me on 01943 879112."

Lola Myers has been a member of Menston Good Neighbours for 13 years and was proud to be at the event.

"It was lovely to be at the civic service and have our work recognised," she said.

"The Good Neighbours is very worthwhile and it is nice meeting people. You give something but you get something back"

Coun Wightman added: "I think these events are important to us as well as the community. It is a big part of the civic job to go around to churches and clubs and schools but in a district the size of Bradford we cannot get to everything and these events are great to be able to meet people.

"There is so much voluntary work happening in Menston and it is nice that we get this opportunity to acknowledge it." Similar events will follow in Keighley, Ilkley, Bingley and Shipley.