TWO highly-respected voluntary organisations in St Helens have today been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – KAVS – the MBE for volunteer groups.

The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and was previously known as the QAVS.

It shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

It was announced today that community rugby league club Portico Vine ARLFC and brass band Valley Brass in Haydock have been recognised with the honour.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Knowsley, the Breast Mates Cancer Support, Safari Kids Club, and The Eco Therapy Garden CIC have been given the award.

Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK and is awarded for life.

The local awardees are among 281 from across the United Kingdom to have been honoured. 

'Equivalent to an MBE'

Sending congratulations from St Helens Council, Kath O'Dwyer, chief executive, said: " Congratulations to both Portico Vine ARLFC and Valley Brass Band for collecting The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

"The award is the highest honour that a community group can receive and is the equivalent to an MBE.

"Both groups go above and beyond serving their communities and the borough as a whole and this recognition is testament to the hard work of those who give up their time selflessly to help others."