This afternoon (October 11), the Chairman of Maldon District Council welcomed guests aboard the Thames Sailing Barge, Hydrogen, to thank them for their work in the district.

Councillor Robert Boyce OBE hosted a reception aboard Topsail Charters' 116-year-old sailing vessel, to acknowledge those who have helped keep the district 'safe and functioning' over the last couple of years.

Cllr Boyce told Nub News he wanted to thank the volunteers who have been operating in our district throughout the last two or three years.

He said: "The voluntary sector is very important to the life of Maldon – they make it tick."

"And with the extra strain over the last two or three years – they rose to the occasion.

"In this small way, I hope to be able to thank them on behalf of all the other volunteer sectors and the people of Maldon."

The party included civic guests and emergency service workers, along with representatives from the Salvation Army and local vaccination hub volunteers.

Watch the full interview with Councillor Robert Boyce OBE aboard Hydrogen, here: