TWO Worcestershire charities have scooped the prestigious Queen’s award for Voluntary Service.

The award is considered ‘the MBE for volunteer groups’ and recognises exceptional service within communities. It's the highest honour a voluntary group can receive.

Tenbury Regal, a volunteer-run cinema and theatre in the centre of Tenbury Wells, has been given the award.

The Regal presents a mixed programme of live shows, cinema, workshops and broadcasts from the National Theatre and RSC. The cinema first opened in 1937 and it’s 1930s art deco look has been maintained to this day. The cinema and theatre are now run by the Regal Trust and volunteers help with everything from backstage to front of house.

Meanwhile Roundabout, the popular furniture reuse and recycle charity located at Blackminster Business Park, has also been given the award. The charity collects donated reusable furniture items and redistributes the furniture to families and individuals in financial need across the region. This year it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

John Lashley, Roundabout chairman, said: “Receiving The Queen’s Award represents a tremendous achievement for all of the Roundabout volunteers, past and present, who have dedicated countless hours to helping people in financial need. We hope that everyone involved and especially all our volunteers, feel immensely proud of the recognition that this award represents.”

Stephen Snead, chairman of the Regal Tenbury Trust, said: “This is an outstanding achievement, which reflects the hard work, commitment and passion of everyone who volunteers at the Regal.

Every volunteer plays an important part in the Regal’s success and makes such a valuable contribution to our community.”

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Representatives from Tenbury Regal and Roundabout will now go to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, and are given a signed certificate from Her Majesty The Queen, that is presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire.

Lord Lieutenant Lt Col Patrick Holcroft said: “There is a wealth of volunteer talent in Worcestershire.

“I very much look forward to presenting their Queen’s Awards and learning more about the differences these two charities have made in their communities.”

County councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for communities, added: “Volunteers are such an important part of any community and to see people in Worcestershire recognised like this is fantastic.”

Winners of the award will also be presented with an English Crystal with the Queen’s Voluntary Award logo and will be permitted to use the official logo.