TWO members of the Royston Speakout Stroke Club have been honoured as part of Volunteer s Week. Walter Thomas and Norman Tinkley were awarded heroes certificates at a ceremony in the House of Commons. Mr Thomas, said: I didn t know anything about being

TWO members of the Royston Speakout Stroke Club have been honoured as part of Volunteer's Week.

Walter Thomas and Norman Tinkley were awarded "heroes" certificates at a ceremony in the House of Commons.

Mr Thomas, said: "I didn't know anything about being nominated. I was trying to put other people forward for it."

The two men were met at the Commons by Royston's MP Oliver Heald.

Mr Heald said: "I was delighted to be able to present these awards.

"I have visited the club on a number of occasions and it is marvellous what it achieves."

He added: "The group always has lively debates and has raised a number of issues with me about facilities for disabled people in the town."

The annual awards celebrate and recognise older volunteer heroes like those from the Royston Stroke Club, which is one of Royston mayor Cllr Peter Lill's chosen charities this year.

Mr Tinkley said: "It was a really good day. We hadn't been to the house of commons before, it's an impressive place."

Mandy Byrne, the leader of the club, said: "The awards are good recognition for elderly disabled people.

"They are vital members of the community and the awards are good for self-esteem."

Julia Fraser, from the Royston Time Bank, said: "Norman and Walter do a lot of work with us and in return we can help them."

South Cambridgeshire MP Andrew Lansley has raised awareness on the issue of stroke in a Commons debate.

Mr Lansley urged the Government to "give priority and urgency" to the measures needed to deliver improved services for stroke patients.

Mr Lansley said: "The public has far too limited an awareness of what stroke is.

"They have become confused about the issue and perhaps just a bare majority understand that a stroke is a brain attack.