Volunteers (and more than 20 charities) in list of 'things that make Britain great'

Best of British magazine has named volunteers as the number one thing that makes Britain great, in a list of 250 Things That Make Britain Great, published in its May issue.

The list was compiled with input from readers, contributors and staff to celebrate the 250th issue of the nostalgia magazine.

The list also recognises at least 24 charities. Macmillan is the highest ranked charity at number 13, followed by RNLI at 14.

Simon Stabler, the magazine’s editor, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, just look at the likes of the Royal Voluntary Service whose work at home and in hospitals allows older people to ‘live life happier’, Keep Britain Tidy which help people to show pride in their area and Cancer Research UK whose volunteers in their shops and behind the scenes contribute to the charity’s life-saving research.”

Bob Barton, a regular contributor to the magazine who nominated volunteers for the list, added: “The British are always willing to volunteer. Where would our heritage railways, little museums and parks be without them?”

Paul Boissier, chief executive of the RNLI, said: ‘We’re honoured to have been featured so highly on this list and greatly heartened to see volunteers being voted into the top position. It is through our dedicated volunteers that we’re able save lives at sea and it’s thanks to our generous supporters that we’re able to keep them afloat."

The charities which made the list are listed below: