KNUTSFORD Heritage Centre’s dedicated team of volunteers were thanked for their efforts by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire on Friday.

David Briggs praised the 30 ‘wonderful’ volunteers at the centre as he presented the centre with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018.

Centre manager Val Bryant received the award from Mr Briggs, who paid tribute to her outstanding leadership and enthusiasm, describing her as ‘a superstar’.

Knutsford Heritage Centre is an independent charity which aims to protect, present and promote the heritage of the town for the benefit of residents and visitors, and is run entirely by volunteers.

Mr Briggs said: “The Queen has asked me to come here today on her behalf to say a very genuine thankyou to all of you for everything you do for this wonderful place.

“Her Majesty has been so impressed with what you have achieved that she has awarded to all of you who volunteer here The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“It is the highest award that any voluntary organisation can win in the United Kingdom, and is equivalent to a group MBE.

“There are more than 4,000 charities in Cheshire, and only four of these have won a Queen’s Award this year, so you really are one in a thousand.”

Val said: “The presentation of this award represents a tremendous achievement for our organisation. Everyone involved, and particularly our volunteers, feel immensely proud of the recognition that this award represents.”

Centre president Lord Ashbrook said: “It is a very significant award and is not given lightly.

“It is given to very worthy organisations that have gone more than the extra mile in voluntary service.

“The award says that this centre is an outstanding effort. It’s a tremendous facility for the town of Knutsford, but what is very important is that the centre is run entirely by volunteers, who should be proud, because it is through their efforts and initiatives that this has come about.

“Knutsford is a town of considerable cultural and political history, which this centre showcases - the award raises the prestige of the town very much and is official recognition of the importance of the centre.”

The centre is recruiting new volunteers. If you can spare two and a half hours once a week, fortnight or even once a month, call Val on 01565 650506 or email info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk