VOLUNTEERS from two Pendle community projects are celebrating winning a prestigious Queen’s Award in recognition of their work in the community.

Colne Open Door Centre and Thomas Street Bowling Club have been announced as winners of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, said to be the equivalent of an MBE.

The award, given to 130 groups in the UK, recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence.

At Colne Open Door Centre, in Great George Street, volunteers and trained staff provide a range of support, including counselling, to vulnerable people.

Volunteers staff the kitchen, providing home-cooked food, a warm welcome and club house atmosphere at the drop-in centre.

Deputy manager Gary Williams said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award.

“It is recognition of the work we do here and in the community, so we are extremely proud.”

Volunteers at the Nelson-based Thomas Street Bowling Club have worked to ensure that crown green bowling spans the generations.

More than 2,500 young people have been introduced to the sport through the club’s Wuds4Fun project.

Secretary Malcom Shaw said: “We are thrilled to have received this honour for the work we do with the local community, in introducing and coaching them in the wonderful sport of crown green bowling, and giving the opportunity of social and competitive bowling with all the health and social benefits it brings.”

Volunteers from each of the Pendle groups will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, at a special ceremony arranged by the Lieutenancy Office.

They are also invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

Five Lancashire groups have won the award this year.

Lord Shuttleworth, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, said “The five awards are a reflection of the substantial amount of work undertaken by these voluntary groups in the county.”