Charity 'delighted' to get award equivalent to MBE

Assistant director Glynis Cosgrove says volunteers are "the lifeblood" of Wiltshire Scrapstore

Bosses at an environmental charity say they are "absolutely delighted" to have been recognised with a major volunteering award.

Wiltshire Scrapstore has received The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.

The charity, which has a group of more than 80 volunteers, and is based near Lacock, saves unused items destined for landfill and upcycles them for use in community events and for other creative purposes.

Glynis Cosgrave, the charity's assistant director and volunteer manager, said: "Our charity would not exist if it were not for the tremendous support and commitment of our talented volunteers."

"We are absolutely delighted that our group's hard work and dedication has been recognised," she added.

The charity saves items from landfill and upcycles them for creative purposes

"We have over 80 volunteers, who between them, give 600 hours a week to keep our charity thriving," said Ms Cosgrave, adding: "They are the lifeblood of the charity."

The tasks volunteers undertake include collecting materials saved from landfill, running workshops, working with young people and producing items to sell in the charity's shops.

The KAVS was created in 2002 to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

Wiltshire Scrapstore, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, is one of 232 local social enterprises, voluntary groups and charities to receive the prestigious award this year.

The charity celebrated its 25th birthday last year

Representatives from the charity will receive the award crystal and certificate from Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, in the coming months.

Two volunteers have also been invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next year.