Groupsare giventop awardfor thejubilee

A trio of Stirling volunteer groups have been included among the winners of a special service award to coincide with the Jubilee.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service has been given to a total of 22 organisations across Scotland to recognise their community service across a range of fields including mental health, youth, arts and heritage.

Among the winners in this region are Start Up Stirling, who run a pair of foodbanks and a range of other services across Stirling to help those in need.

Home Start Clackmannanshire is another group claiming a voluntary award, recognising its work in supporting families with young children build a happy and healthy future through various supportive activities and running a charity shop to raise funds.

The final local charitable organisation to receive an award is Friends of Bridge of Allan.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Friends of Bridge of Allan are honoured and delighted to be the recipients of this prestigious Award.

“Our volunteers, past and present, have worked hard to make Bridge of Allan a wonderful place to live, work and visit and it is thanks to them and all the residents, businesses and visitors who support our work, that we can provide and maintain the floral displays and care for the open spaces for everyone’s enjoyment.”

QAVS chairman Sir Martyn Lewis said: “I warmly congratulate all the outstanding voluntary groups who have been rewarded with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.

“The level of commitment and innovation shown by these volunteers is truly impressive. We owe a debt of gratitude to them, and the countless others who give up their free time regularly to improve the lives of others in their community.”