Charity work in Lancashire recognised by King

Helping Hearts, a volunteer-led charity in Blackpool, offers support and counselling services

Three organisations from Lancashire have been recognised by the King for their outstanding work.

Presented as part of the King's Birthday Honours, the King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE.

Escape2Make is a Lancaster-based charity which organises creative workshops for 11 to 18-year-olds. Two Blackpool organisations also receive the honour. Helping Hearts is a volunteer-led charity which offers support and counselling, while Counselling in the Community delivers free therapy.

Helping Hearts' Fylde chair Andrew Mills said it was "testament to the passion, generosity and commitment of every volunteer" to be honoured.

'Truly humbled'

The charity supports homeless people, families, the lonely and the elderly.

More than 170 people currently access its services every week.

Mr Mills said the award would be "a huge help" in the future as it develops more services to help disadvantaged people.

Escape2Make boss Kyle McKenzie said: "We are so incredibly lucky and grateful to have such a fantastic group of volunteers.

"We are thrilled that their work is being recognised and celebrated on such a prestigious level."

Counselling in the Community said it was "truly humbled and deeply grateful" to receive the award.

"For a small charity here in Blackpool to be recognised with such a prestigious honour is nothing short of incredible," it said.

The three groups are among 232 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year.

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, the awards - previously known as The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups.

All of the county's winners will receive a certificate signed by King Charles and a commemorative crystal, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker.

Two volunteers from each of the groups will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2026, along with other recipients of this year's awards.