THREE East Lancashire groups of volunteers have been honoured by the Her Majesty in her Platinum Jubilee year.

Two from Oswaldtwistle and one from Burnley have been granted The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

They are Friends of Rhyddings Park in Hyndburn, New Neighbours Together in Burnley and Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club.

The groups are included in the list of 244 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe said: "“I am delighted that these groups’ work has been recognised in this way; during our assessment visits we were impressed by their achievements and commitment to their communities.

"I very much hope that we will see more excellent groups nominated for the award in the future. I know that the people of Lancashire will look at the brilliant and essential work that voluntary groups and charities have been doing and nominate for next year’s awards.”

Ann Warrington who chairs The Friends of Rhydding Park said: "I am delighted.

"We are overwhelmed at this recognition by Her Majesty..

"I am speechless."

The citation for her group says: "The Friends of Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle played a key role in reviving a dilapidated park and transforming its cafe to provide a base for community activities such as gardening, walks, craft, well-being sessions."

New Neighbours Together are described as 'a small specialist charity providing grassroots care and support to asylum seekers and refugees in Burnley."

Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club were chosen for 'improving life for the whole community through an impressive range of environmental, social and youth projects which goes far beyond fundraising'.

Oswaldtwistle's County Cllr Peter Britcliffe said: "I’m delighted that two groups from Oswaldwistle have received this award. It means a lot to me as I begin my year as Chairman of Lancashire County Council."

Each group will receive a certificate signed by HM The Queen and a commemorative crystal, presented by Lord Shuttleworth at an award ceremony on July 11 at County Hall in Preston. Two volunteers from group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.

There are three other Lancashire winners of the award: the Friends of Stanley Park and Salisbury Woodland in Blackpool; Healthier Fleetwood; and Cedar House in Preston.