Yorkshire voluntary groups honoured by King Charles

About 30 groups in North, South and West Yorkshire have been recognised for their work by King Charles

The work of volunteers across Yorkshire who support people in their communities has been recognised in a series of special awards made by King Charles.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award for volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE.

A group dedicated to improving people's lives in Barnsley, a community centre in Scarborough and a homeless charity in Leeds are among the beneficiaries.

All will receive a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal.

Members of the groups which have been given a King's Award, which were originally established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, may also be invited to a Royal Garden Party.

Barnsley-based H.O.P.E in the Community offers a range of support and activities for the area

Barnsley's H.O.P.E in the Community, one of the organisations to receive a King's Award, offers cooking courses, activities for children during school holidays, social clubs and food bank referrals among other services.

Peter Robertshaw, the charity's founder and chairperson, said he was "humbled and honoured" the organisation, which began in 2017, had been recognised.

"My own upbringing wasn't that great so I wanted to provide a safe place for individuals where they can meet and get the support they need," he said.

Mr Robertshaw added that the award was a tribute to the work of the organisation's 30 to 40 volunteers.

"We are 100% volunteer-led and without the dedication of our volunteers we wouldn't be nowhere near this," he said.

Tina Suryavansi said Homeless Hampers gave out 150 meals a week, along with other essentials

Homeless Hampers, another King's Award recipient, was launched in 2015 and provides about 150 meals a week, as well as other essentials, to people living in shelters or on the streets in Leeds and Bradford.

Trustee Tina Suryavansi said the volunteers were proud to have been nominated for the award and had gone through a vigorous vetting process.

"We're completely honoured by it," she said.

"It's about the people we support. It's about recognition for our volunteers.

"Things are difficult for so many and we are only a small Yorkshire-based charity, hopefully doing big things."

The team at Gallows Close Centre said they were "over the moon" to receive the award

Meanwhile, Kimmie Avison, chief executive of Scarborough community centre Gallows Close, said the team there was "over the moon" at the news they had received a King's Award for Voluntary Service.

"It is for the centre as a whole and for everyone who has put in the hard work here," she said.

The centre offers a range of community activities in Barrowcliff.

Ms Avison said: "Hopefully, it will help us bring in more funding and other people will see we are a really well organised community centre offering lots for all ages and abilities."

In all, about 30 groups in North, South and West Yorkshire have been recognised for their work.