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The voluntary-sector equivalent of an MBE, the awards were announced today, marking HRH King Charles III birthday on 14 November.

Home-Start Telford and Wrekin, a family support charity based in Wellington, have been recognised with a KAVS for their work to improve the health and wellbeing of families with young children in Telford and Wrekin.

Cathy Landau, Trustee Chair of Home Start Telford and Wrekin, said: “We are all thrilled to receive this prestigious award for the long standing and ongoing work of all our volunteers who work with, and on behalf of families in Telford and Wrekin. Their dedication and commitment is truly humbling, as is the support of our office team: I am so very proud to be a part of Home Start Telford and Wrekin, and that our work has been so highly honoured.

Telford Crisis Support, based in Halesfied, received the KAVS honour for their work to provide the local community with basic essential items, ensuring no one goes without what they need.

“We are very honoured to receive this prestigious award,” said Chris Jones, Chair of Trustees at Telford Crisis Support. “Our volunteers form the backbone and spirit of Telford Crisis Support, they are tireless, hardworking, loyal and dedicated, they work with and alongside our dedicated staff to make a difference in our community.”

Church and Chetwynd Aston Village Hall also received a KAVS honour for their work to create a community hub for all ages, backgrounds and capabilities, benefiting the local and wider area.

Malcolm Bennet, Chair of Church and Chetwynd Aston Village Hall Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the hard work and efforts of everyone involved with Church and Chetwynd Aston Village Hall have been recognised in this way, with a Kings Award for Voluntary Services, for our work in providing and improving services for the benefit of our local community. This would not have been possible without the talent and commitment of both the committee and our great helpers, and the support we have received through grants and loans too.”

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner JP, announced the KAVS awards, with a total eight charities across the county of Shropshire being recognised, and said: “I am delighted that eight Shropshire groups have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service this year. This prestigious award is richly deserved by each of the groups, who have made a real difference to so many people in the county of Shropshire.”

Shaun Davies, Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, congratulated the recipients: “These are the first Kings Awards for Voluntary Service presented in our borough since his Royal Highness’ ascension, and they could not have been dedicated to more deserving organisations.

“Both Home Start Telford and Wrekin, and Telford Crisis Support make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable people in the borough, and Church and Chetwynd Aston Village Hall have developed a hub that is bringing the whole local community together, whatever their age or background. These awards rightfully recognise the dedication and commitment of all the staff and volunteers involved, who give up their time to help others.”

Across Shropshire there are many such wonderful organisations doing great things in the community, and the Lord-Lieutenant is very keen to encourage applications for KAVS and ensure that as many Shropshire organisations as possible are deservedly recognised for their endeavours. To find out more on how to apply, visit: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk