A couple who give hours each week helping patients at a hospice were honoured during an anniversary reception at Downing Street.

Angela and John Steele began volunteering for Peace Hospice Care when they retired.

The pair were named Points of Light by Prime Minister David Cameron and received the awards from Samantha Cameron at a reception celebrating Peace Hospice Care’s 25th anniversary on Wednesday, February 10.

John drive is a driver and brings day patients to the hospice, where his understanding of how difficult patients can find the journey have made him a valued member of the team, while Angela teaches patients how to hey can use technology such as Skype to communicate with their families and friends.

Mr Cameron said: “John and Angela have given a huge amount of time and enthusiasm to brighten the lives of hundreds of seriously ill people and their families in Hertfordshire.

“They have shown tremendous care and compassion in everything they do for Peace Hospice Care. Their dedication to making a difference in their community is remarkable and to those they have supported they are truly Points of Light.”

Samantha Quill, volunteering manager at Peace Hospice Care, said: “John and Angela make a tremendous contribution to the patients and families who use our Starlight Centre, and to our staff who deliver the front line services.

"They give so much of themselves to support others, and always with a positive attitude and engaging smiles.

"They epitomise everything that is good about voluntary services; we know how lucky we are to have them, and so many others like them, supporting Peace Hospice Care.”

Staff from Peace Hospice Care, in Watford, were invited to Downing Street where tfor the charity reception.

They had the chance to tour the state rooms with Samantha Cameron, who congratulated the charity on 25 years of care.

Peace Hospice Care chief executive Declan Carroll said: “Peace Hospice Care has reached an important milestone, but we haven’t done it alone.

"It was only built with the support of local people for local people and that is the only way it will continue.”

The Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the Points of Light programme in the US, first established by President George HW Bush.