Fiona Lanzino uses her skill as a graphic designer to help with her favourite charity, Bermuda Riding for the Disabled. It was something similar she did back in the UK with the Riding Disabled Association.

"I helped them in the UK and saw there was one here," said Ms Lanzino who was chosen by the Bermuda Riding for the Disabled as their 'star' volunteer.

"I wanted to help people and have an interest in horses as well, so I thought I'd combine the two and do something for the community. I don't get to deal with the children much, I do stable work and do all their graphics...posters, newsletters and stuff like that."

She urges people to get more involved in charities. "I'm sure there are loads of people who don't do anything during the day who could come and help," she said.

"They don't need horse experience, just be willing and enjoy meeting people. There are different aspects of volunteering for organisations. Every part helps make it run.

"It's a great way to meet people as well, if you are new to the island."

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Tiny Bean's passion for charity work is clearly evident as she talks about her three years involved with PALS.

"I love it, I really love it," she said.

"I chose PALS because I had a friend who was ill with cancer and when I used to go and visit her I observed the PALS nurses and they were so dedicated. I take people to chemotherapy, or if they need to get groceries or pay some bills. Sometimes I'll fix a little food for them, sometimes they live alone and don't feel like cooking.

"It is so rewarding, people are so thankful. Sometimes they thank you over and over and I have to say to them 'stop saying thanks, you've said it once, that's enough'."

Mrs. Bean was persuaded to get involved in the charity by nurse Ann Brown about three years ago and she hasn't regretted the decision. And even when she heard she was nominated for outstanding volunteer, she was surprised.

"A lady called me about three weeks ago and I can't even remember where she was from because I didn't know I had been nominated," she explained. "I like to stay in the background, when I do things I don't like to be out in the front.

"I thought it was one of my friends pulling a joke. She always said 'everytime I want you to go somewhere you are driving patients around, I'm going to nominate you for volunteer of the year'. It was just a joke between us, I didn't even know they had this thing in Bermuda."

Mrs Bean admits charities could use more help from volunteers.

"A lot of people can't deal with ill people on a one-on-one basis, so that is one drawback," she said of her particular charity.

"But I get so close to people that they are like family to me. It hurts a lot when we lose people. But if you are human and care about people you cannot help but get attached to people."