OVER the course of my last two South Wales Argus columns, I’ve said thank you to the staff who work hard to provide our public services.

I’ve also thanked the residents whose council tax contributions help keep services like schools, social care and other community and neighbourhood services running.

But alongside vital public services, the work of local volunteers is the glue that holds our communities together – something that we recognise in Gwent thanks to The Argus’ excellent Pride of Gwent Awards.

Take our Torfaen Spring Clean this year.

We set up our Spring Clean in recognition of the priority that local people attach to having a cleaner, greener Borough.

People wanted to lend a hand in efforts to tackle litter and keep their communities looking tidy.

The response in recent years has been fantastic.

So far, this Spring alone, despite some pretty un-Spring-like cold weather, 285 local volunteers have helped out.

That number jumps up if you include school children who have been doing their bit.

Together they’ve collected well over 300 bags of rubbish, including coming along to 23 special events.

Our staff have worked with these volunteers to ensure the bags are disposed of, and by tackling larger issues when volunteers have pointed them out.

That principle, of staff combining with volunteers, has helped stretch our resources much further than they otherwise they would have done, so a big thank you and well done to all those who have pitched in.

A special mention should go to someone who has led the way as a volunteer helping keep Torfaen tidy, Ron Ford.

Ron works tirelessly tackling the scourge of litter, working alongside Keep Wales Tidy and liaising with the council teams to make a huge difference.

Thank you Ron for all you do.

Local groups like the Friends of Pontypool Park, LLARCS in Llantarnam and the Friends of Fishpond Park in Panteg also deserve recognition for working together to improve our local environment. I’m always happy to visit local groups across Torfaen working to make a difference, so please get in touch if you’d like to meet with me.

Of course, improving the environment is just one way volunteers make a vital contribution to our communities. There are churches, choirs and community groups to run. Sports teams for children and adults to manage, administer and coach. Vulnerable people who need the support of carers, and so many other examples of the difference volunteering makes to our society. So to everyone who lends a hand, thank you. Your selflessness and dedication is what makes our communities great.