Community projects recognised with King's Awards
BBCFifteen groups across the South West have been given the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
Four community interest groups and organisations from Devon and 11 from Cornwall received the prestigious award for making a difference through volunteering.
Clean Our Patch Community Interest Company (CIC), a litter-picking group in Plymouth which received an award, said they felt "overwhelmed" and "elated" to be recognised.
In Cornwall, volunteers at community share shop Bugle Library of Things said the award recognised the contribution made by volunteers whose time, commitment and local knowledge helped turn a grassroots community project into an organisation.
The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee and is awarded for life.
El Clarke and Ash Samuels, the founders of Clean Our Patch, said the award was "testament to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of each and every person that volunteers with us".
"We are over the Moon... this is the highest award we could have possibly achieved," said Clarke.
"To think about how far we've come from just two people wanting to improve their mental health and to be awarded this is a massive achievement.
"We're so, so proud."
Frankie, 10, the organisation's youth ambassador, said she had been litter-picking with the group for about four years.
Asked how she felt to be receiving an award from the King, she said: "It's amazing."
Jo Rusbridge, founder and co-CEO of the Bugle Library of Things (BLOT), said the award belonged to its volunteers.
Organisers estimated they had supported more than 1,600 people and benefited from more than 2,600 hours of volunteer support.
Rusbridge said: "This award belongs to our volunteers.
"BLOT exists because local people saw things that needed to change and decided to do something about them. The King's Award is an incredible honour, but for us it is also encouragement to keep going."
Laura Campbell, chairwoman of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta Committee, which was also recognised, said the award paid tribute to the "selfless generosity" of its volunteers who believed in being part of something "bigger than themselves".
"Their passion and unwavering commitment allow us to uphold our traditions while creating something meaningful, inclusive and sustainable for generations to come," she said.
Isabella Banks PhotographySophie Alway, the chief executive and founder of young women's mental health charity Georgia's Voice in Cornwall, said: "Receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service is an extraordinary honour and one we accept with humility and gratitude.
"This honour belongs to our wonderful volunteers, whose compassion, time and commitment make Georgia's Voice possible and to the young women across Cornwall whose courage and voices are at the heart of everything we do."
Plant One CIC, a Cornish woodland restoration project, also scooped an award.
Co-founder Rai Lewis said they were "so proud" of their volunteers because, without them, they would not have had "such an impact on the Cornish landscape, wildlife and woodlands".
South West winners
Cornwall:
- Community & Hospital Broadcasting Network
- Georgia's Voice
- Man Down CIC
- Par Bay Community Trust
- Parky Blinders Project CIC
- Plant One Cornwall CIC
- South Kerrier Alliance CIC
- St Dennis Band
- The Cornish Maritime Trust
- The Peninsula Trust
- Bugle Library of Things CIC
Devon:
- The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Committee
- Topsham Swimming Pool Association
- Torbay Hospital Nurses League
- Clean Our Patch CIC