A scout group has received 'the highest UK honour for voluntary service'.

St George’s Mill Hill Scout Group in Blackburn has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

This prestigious award, the equivalent of an MBE, was given to the group as they celebrate their 40th anniversary, having been established in December 1984.

The group currently supports more than 80 young people from the local area, with the assistance of 19 adult volunteers.

The award also acknowledges the efforts of the volunteers at the group’s flagship Canalside Activity and Environment Centre, which offers activities such as kayaking, archery, and backwoods skills to the community.

In the past year alone, the centre has been used by more than 6,000 people from across the community.

Representatives of the scout group will receive the award crystal and certificate from Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, early in 2025.

Additionally, two volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

The King’s Award is the 'highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE'The King’s Award is the 'highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE' (Image: Supplied)

Scout group lead volunteer Stuart Parker said: "I’m absolutely delighted that our group’s work has been recognised in this way - as volunteers, there’s no higher honour than the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

"It’s a real testament to the hard work and commitment of our team, who dedicate so much of their free time with energy and passion for improving the lives of young people."

The group is one of 281 UK charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive The King’s Award this year.

Their work, along with others from across the UK, brings attention to the 'valuable contributions' that volunteers make to their local communities.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.

Award winners are announced annually on November 14, The King’s Birthday.