The search is on for outstanding community groups

Voluntary groups which do exceptional work could receive the royal seal of approval.

Nominations are open for next year’s Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service, described as MBEs for charities, voluntary and community groups.

Local groups could follow in the footsteps of two organisations from the borough which received the honour this year: One Voice Blackburn and Brookhouse Development Group Community Interest Company which both run a range of community projects.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader Mohammed Khan said: “It was a wonderful achievement for One Voice and Brookhouse to receive the highest award given to community groups.

“Blackburn and Darwen has many more groups which are a real credit to the borough so why not nominate them for this award? I know voluntary groups don’t do it for accolades but they really do deserve to have their valuable contribution recognised.

“As a council, we will continue to support our local groups and work with them to improve the borough.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created by the Queen in 2002 to mark her Golden Jubilee.

Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for an award. They are assessed on the benefit their work brings to the local community and their standing within the community.

Nominations close at midnight on September 14, 2018. People can nominate online or call 0207 271 6206 for more information.