The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, will be officially presenting The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to seven volunteer groups from Lancashire.



This is the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

The award ceremony will be held on Monday 16 July at County Hall in Preston.

Each of the groups will receive a certificate signed by HM The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Lord Shuttleworth.

Lord Shuttleworth said: "This year The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service has been awarded to seven groups for their voluntary work across the County.

"Sport, help for people in recovery, empowerment and leadership programmes, alongside music groups and emergency support for young people have figured in exceptional service given by hundreds of volunteers. Their generous gift of time and expertise to help others in the community is a shining light for Lancashire and improves many thousands of lives.

"I congratulate and thank each and everyone and look forward to presenting them with their awards on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen."

This prestigious UK national honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering. With the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

Fifty-five groups from Lancashire have now received this annual award since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

The winners are:

* Accy Rockers, Accrington – a rock music band made up of six individuals. They have received the award for raising over £400,000 for charity over the past 25 years.

* Brookhouse Development Group (Blackburn) CIC – consists of a large group of skilled volunteers. They have received the award for working relentlessly to serve the needs of the local community.

* Lostock Hall Juniors Football Club – received the award for providing high quality football coaching to over 450 children and young people as well as supporting the local community, charities and organisations.

* Mawdesley Cricket Club – received the award for being a well-run and successful enterprise in the local community, supported by a wealth of volunteers and volunteer effort.

* One Voice Blackburn CIC – received the award for developing and running health, empowerment and leadership programmes for hard to reach communities in Blackburn and Darwen.

* Preston & South Ribble (North) Street Pastors – received the award for the tireless and dedicated work carried out by the volunteers every Friday and Saturday night in all weathers making sure the young people enjoy the night-time economy in Preston City Centre in safety.

* Red Rose Recovery Lancashire Limited – received the award for supporting individuals, and their families, with a history of substance misuse into abstinence, volunteering, training and employment opportunities.

For details of all this year’s award winners and information on how to nominate, visit https://qavs.direct.gov.uk/, where a nomination form can be downloaded.