TWO shining beacons of the power of volunteering have been recognised for their amazing work in the community.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth has presented The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to seven volunteer groups from Lancashire, including two from Blackburn with Darwen.

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

The recipients were Arts 2 Heal in Blackburn, a mental health charity which helps people to build skills through art, and Blackburn Youth Zone.

Also recognised was Community Solutions North West Ltd, Hyndburn. Community Solutions is a charity helping to support communities to live healthier, happier lives and to reduce social isolation, loneliness and inequality.

Each of the groups received a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Lord Shuttleworth.

Both groups also received a special endorsement for their work in the community during the Covid pandemic.

Lord Shuttleworth said: “The service given by these groups is the shared effort and achievement of many volunteers. Their generous gift of time, expertise and willingness to serve the community is a shining light for Lancashire and improves many thousands of lives.

“I congratulate and thank each and every volunteer and enjoyed meeting them and presenting them with their awards on behalf of 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.

A total of 77 groups from Lancashire have now received this annual award since it was created by Her Majesty to mark her Golden Jubilee in 2002.