Cornish volunteers up for a King's Award

Ten voluntary groups in Cornwall have been nominated for a King's Award for Voluntary Services

Ten Cornish voluntary groups have been nominated for a King's Award for Voluntary Services.

The nominees span a wide range of causes from disability support and community food projects to heritage, arts, environmental action and rescue services.

The nominated groups were recognised at a reception at County Hall last week hosted by Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Col Sir Edward Bolitho, and Cornwall Council chairman councillor Rob Nolan.

Sir Edward said the county had a "strong heritage of volunteering" with an estimated 32% of the county volunteering which was "well above the national average".

Sir Edward said the award celebrated groups that were "truly outstanding" and made a "tangible difference" to their local communities.

The nominated groups include:

• Active8 Youth Disability

• Camborne Trevithick Day CIC

• Cornwall Pride

• Fathoms Free

• Growing Links CIC

• KBSK Performing Arts CIC

• Lighthouse Community Centre

• Torpoint Archives and Heritage Centre

• West Cornwall Search and Rescue

• Kernow Library of Things CIC

The winners are due to be announced on 14 November, the King's birthday.

'Incredible celebration'

Cornwall Pride chief executive Matthew Kenworthy Gomes said the charity promoted diversity, inclusion, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Cornwall by bringing together people from all walks of life.

"As far as we are aware Cornwall Pride is the only Pride in the UK to have been nominated for the Kings award which is phenomenal," he said.

"It's an incredible celebration."