Finalists announced for Britain's Best Volunteer 2014

The competition has attracted over 700 nominations for charity workers across Britain, from Cornwall to Aberdeenshire.

The award, a partnership between Markel UK, the specialist charity insurer and Small Charities Coalition, the support organistion for small charities, rewards those who volunteer their time to help small, local charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

The winner of the award will receive £1,250 for the charity or charities of their choice and a personal prize of a holiday voucher worth £1,000. Runners up will receive £250 for a charity of their choice and a personal prize of an iPad mini.

The five finalists are:

• John Crawley, volunteer for St Petrock’s, Exeter
• Emma Hall, founder and chair of Stepping Stone Down’s Syndrome support group
• Catherine MacLennan, volunteer for Miscarriage Association and Heartlands Miscarriage Support Group
• Roger Pratten, volunteer driver for Northampton Volunteer Car Scheme
• John Shannon, volunteer for Carers’ Time Off

Alex Swallow, Chief Executive of Small Charities Coalition, said: ‘It was amazing to get over 700 nominations for the award and it’s been difficult whittling it down to only five finalists. The award has drawn nominations from small charities all over Britain who feel that their volunteers are ‘Britain’s Best’ and they are right; it’s thanks to the 700 individuals we’ve heard about that the invaluable work of small charities continues today.’

Andy Partington, Director of Markel UK added: ‘The quality of nominations was incredibly high and we had to identify those nominees who have inspired their organisation, fellow volunteers, and the individuals they are helping. Some truly inspirational people were nominated, and we’re extremely excited to see which of our chosen five will take the title of Britain’s Best Volunteer.’

Read more about the finalists' inspirational achievements on the Britain's Best Volunteer finalists page.