MORE than 200 dignitaries and volunteers are to attend the annual chairman's reception at Chiltern District Council this evening.

The Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire will be among those to thank volunteers and charity workers for their work in the area over the last 12 months.

The ouncil said money spent on the service will be put back into the area's economy, with the catering being provided by a company in Chesham.

Cabinet member Cllr Mimi Harker said: “It's well attended because it's for all these people who give their time for the community. It's a chance to say thank you to them all.

“Not many people bother to say thank you, so it's appreciated by the volunteer sector.

“It's cherished and well-supported by Chiltern.”

It takes place six weeks before Cllr Philip Priestley steps down as chairman of the council after holding the post for the last two years.

He said: “I am looking forward to it – it's the end of my two years and I can relax.”