Cornish surf life-saving club wins King's Award

Steve and Becca Peck have been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles III

A Cornish surf life-saving club has been presented with the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

On Thursday, Holywell Bay Surf Life-Saving Club was paid a special visit by Lord Lieutenant Sir Edward Bolitho, the King's representative in Cornwall.

Members were given the highest accolade a voluntary service can receive, for the club's impact on young people, with more than 8,000 hours of time volunteered every year.

During the visit, Sir Edward cut a ribbon to officially open the club's newly renovated headquarters.

During the visit, Sir Edward cut a ribbon to officially open the club's new headquarters

Sir Edward revealed the award was only the second time it has been given to a surf life-saving club.

The club's chair and secretary, Steve and Becca Peck, were also invited to Buckingham Palace to meet King Charles III at a garden party in May.

Speaking after the opening ceremony, Mr Peck said the renovation had been made possible through "generous donations of both time and money".

He said: "Over the spring, an essential new roof has been fitted to the club house, along with other improvements, including solar panels and better storage for kit and life-saving equipment.

"The club house will now be watertight for many years to come, so a huge thanks to everyone who has helped along the way."