It's the MBE for volunteers and it's through hard work and commitment to green initiatives that it's made its way into the hands of Deal With It - Transition Deal.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was presented to the group by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent Richard Oldfield OBE at a gathering in the Captain's Garden of Deal Castle on Thursday.

It recognises their commitment to regular community beach cleans, seed swaps, green energy events, bee festivals, tree planting and litter picks.

Established 12 years ago, the group is also responsible for maintaining the community gardens at Deal Railway Station, The Landmark Centre and Captain’s Garden itself and schemes such as Plastic Free Deal.

Delivering the award, Lieutenant Oldfield said: "Maybe if you lived in Brighton, Dover or Margate, Deal With It would not have happened.

"But I suspect it would have because what you all show is an indomitable spirit and initiative.

"You have done these fantastic things which are transforming Deal and beautifying Deal and you're enjoying it while you 're doing it.

"The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is called the MBE of volunteering.

"It's to the people and volunteers who do all the work and what you do is really quite remarkable.

"I'm delighted to be here to represent the Queen and present this award to you."

Deputy Colonel Jo Gunnell who helped assess the organisation also commended their efforts.

He said: "Deal With It is a remarkable organisation, whose members are making a real impact on the environment and conservation of Deal as a wonderful place to live in and to visit.

"The panel were particularly impressed by the vast scope of activities that Deal With It lead on.

"You promote social interaction, exercise, pride in Deal's heritage and above all enjoyment. An outstanding example of volunteer work at its finest."

Among the organisation's campaigns is the Deal Hop Farm project to grow hops to make a local beer, which involves up to 300 people.

Victoria Nicholls, Deal With It’s secretary and one of the founding members of the group, said: "The Hop Farm has been the catalyst in really being us to the forefront. We never thought it would come to this."

Rosie Rechter was also behind the launch of the group. She recalled how far the group has come since one of its first initiatives which was to eliminate the use of single use plastic bags.

The Mayor of Deal Cllr Eileen Rowbotham who was in attendance has also been involved since its inception.

She said: "When we first held a meeting we came up with the name and it was all about how we are going to deal with the problem of climate change and global warming.

"Now it's on everybody's lips."

Deal With It was one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

Deal With It's next new project is a tidy up of the Triangle wooded area next to Deal Rail Station on Thursday, November 7 at 10:30am.

It is hoped this land will be leased to the group by National Rail so it can enhance this wildlife oasis.

To find out more or get involved visit dealwithit.org.uk

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