Volunteers 'honoured' to receive King's award

Exmoor Community Bus Association has been running since 1983

Members of four community organisations say they feel "absolutely delighted" after receiving the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The honour, equivalent to an MBE, has been awarded to four organisations in Somerset, including the Exmoor Community Bus Association, the Good Fellowship Club in Yeovil, Green Wedmore and the Thomas Poole Library in Nether Stowey.

The recipients for each year are announced on 14 November, King Charles' birthday.

Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset Justin Sargent, who oversees the nomination process in the county, said all winners show the "extraordinary impact small groups of volunteers can have".

The Good Fellowship Club in Yeovil provides social and recreational activities for older people to improve their quality of life.

It runs every Thursday and provides public transport for those who need it.

Beryl Garton has been part of the club for 35 years and said the award is "really exciting".

"It's a real tribute to the previous volunteers who kept the club going, which is so very necessary for our elderly community here in Yeovil," Ms Garton added.

The Good Fellowship club has been running in Yeovil for 60 years

The Exmoor Community Bus Association was set up to serve rural villages with no public transport.

The service is run with help from Somerset Council, which provides funding for vehicle maintenance and fuel.

Volunteer driver and secretary of the committee, Jan Ross MBE, said: "We are absolutely delighted and feel humbled to have received this award.

"It recognises the work we have been doing for the last 42 years," Ms Ross added.

Green Wedmore volunteers promote sustainable living in Wedmore and surrounding villages

The Thomas Poole library in Nether Stowey also hosts community events

Meanwhile, Green Wedmore has been running environmental projects in the village since 2006.

Volunteers have set up a community farm, a repair café, an eel project and the formation of a solar power site.

Chair of Green Wedmore, Steve Mewes, said the award is a "tremendous honour" for the group.

Mr Mewes added: "For those people who have put up signs, helped on a stall, updated a website, organised a Repair Café or planted a tree, this award is for you."