Orchard planting charity receives King's award

Matt Knight said Freely Fruity's work had been "recognised on a national level"

A group set up by three friends to make fruit available to all has received the King’s Award for volunteering.

Freely Fruity has spent the past four years planting community orchards and helping schools and neighbourhoods in Berkshire grow produce for the table.

Friends Ryan Simpson, James Whittingham and Matt Knight hatched the plan while having a drink down the pub.

Mr Knight said: "It means that the work we’ve been doing for the past four years has been recognised on a national level and it helps us to continue what we’re doing already."

Ryan Simpson said there was "no stopping" the team going forwards

Freely Fruity started out growing fruit and vegetables on land near James Whittingham's house

Freely Fruity originally planned to do a spot of guerrilla gardening.

But during the first Covid-19 lockdown the idea transformed into growing fruit and vegetables on some land near Mr Whittingham's house beside the M4 in Berkshire.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was set up in 2022, following on from the Queen’s Awards, with the first announced last year.

It is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in recognition of their outstanding community service, and the equivalent of an MBE.

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