FOUR volunteer-led community groups from have been honoured with the highest accolade of its kind in the UK.

Aspatria and District Community Charity Association, Bay Trust Radio, Ford Park Community Group and Lakeland Horticultural Society have all been recognised for their work with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Aspatria and District Community Charity Association has raised more than £300,000 over the past 21 years through their charity shop and donate all the money to local community groups.

It supports a wide variety of local groups and provides inexpensive access to high quality goods.

The accolades were announced today as Volunteers’ Week gets underway.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman said:“The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest accolade for any voluntary organisation.

“Here in Cumbria, the voluntary sector is thriving and I am thrilled that some of our organisations have achieved national recognition.

“I’d like to congratulate Aspatria and District Community Charity Association, Bay Trust Radio, Ford Park Community Group and Lakeland Horticultural Society.

“Volunteers for their tireless work and commitment to the communities they serve. They are all thoroughly deserving of this 2019 award.

“Volunteers are the glue that hold our communities together. There are many more voluntary groups across Cumbria doing excellent, innovative work enhancing the lives and experiences of many people in their local communities.”

Bay Trust Radio, based in Kendal for over 40 years, have been innovative, working to provide a high quality radio service with a focus of health and wellbeing to patients, as well as the wider community.

Ford Park Community Group became a charity 20 years ago to save and maintain the parkland in Ulverston

Lakeland Horticultural Society have created and maintained a 12 acre garden at Holehird, Windermere.

The aim is to demonstrate the practice of gardening in Lakeland conditions.

They provide inspiration, education and practical gardening expertise for local people and welcome visitors from all around the world.