Queen honours Guernsey and Alderney volunteers

The PPBF has raised almost £300,000 for the Bailiwick's premature babies and their families

Two Channel Island groups have been chosen to receive a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The award, for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF) and the Alderney Cancer Relief Trust, is the highest given to voluntary groups by the Queen.

Alderney Cancer Relief Trust has been helping islanders with financial support and advice for 35 years.

Guernsey-based PPBF was created 12 years ago by triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx and his wife Jo.

Twenty-one Guernsey groups have received the award, which was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

'Absolutely thrilled'

The two organisations will be presented with their awards at the Queen's birthday reception at Government House in St Peter Port later this month.

James Roberts, chairman of Alderney Cancer Relief Trust, said: "It's humbling the support we get.

"The award is almost too much in a way, it's an accolade to the rest of the island and all those who have helped us over the years and a tribute to the inspiration of my late mother."

The PPBF has raised almost £300,000 for the Bailiwick's premature babies and their families.

Jo Priaulx said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive the award and accept it on behalf of all the volunteers who give up their valuable time to help us do our work.

"It's also a huge thank-you to all those who tirelessly fundraise."