Observatory volunteers celebrate King's Award

The observatory reopened in 2024 after a £6.8m refurbishment

A King's Award has gone to a group of volunteers who have helped others experience the wonders of space for more than 50 years.

The Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society has operated the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, since the 1970s.

The centre reopened a year ago after a £6.8 million project to overhaul and expand facilities.

On Friday, the group was recognised in the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and the equivalent of an MBE.

Part of the refurbishment of Sherwood Observatory was converting an old reservoir into an exhibition space

Sherwood Observatory, in Coxmoor Road, now features a 59-seat dome with an "immersive" 10m (32.8ft) diameter screen.

There is also an underground exhibition space in a converted Victorian reservoir, a science discovery centre, meeting rooms, classrooms, and a cafe run by the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education College as a student outreach project.

It had a target of attracting 20,000 visitors in its first year after the refit, but in fact saw 25,000 visitors in its first eight months.

Observatory chairman Dr Steve Wallace MBE said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have received this award as it recognises the dedication of our volunteers over more than 50 years.

"The funding that we raised to build our new Planetarium and Science Centre would not have been possible without their hard work and the reputation that they have developed for engaging with and inspiring our visitors."

Representatives of Sherwood Observatory will receive the award crystal and certificate from Prof Veronica Pickering, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, in the coming months.

In addition, two volunteers from the observatory will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2026, along with other recipients of this year's award.