Do you know a volunteer group that’s done some brilliant work in your local community?

Here’s your chance to really show how much they’re appreciated.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the country for outstanding work done in their local communities for the benefit of others.

It’s universally known as a prestigious UK national honour that sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering.

Nominations for the volunteer groups must be submitted before Friday, September 13 to ensure they are considered for the awards in 2020. The awards are announced on June 2 every year on the anniversary of Her Majesty’s coronation.

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A VOLUNTEER GROUP FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Founded in 2002, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is an accolade that shares a special bond with the county of Kent.

Since 2003, a total of 36 volunteer groups from Kent have won the prestigious annual award - the equivalent of an MBE - including three winners in 2019.

“This really is the pinnacle of awards,” said Paul Auston, who is Deputy Lieutenant of Kent.

“There is so much great work being done by volunteers here in Kent and this is a fantastic opportunity for those who have given so much to the community, to get the highest recognition in the land.”

“The experience of receiving such an award is something that you will carry with you and remember for the rest of your life.”

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE A VOLUNTEER GROUP FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant visits the winning groups to present a certificate with citation signed by The Queen, together with an engraved commemorative crystal.

A Deputy Lieutenant will read the citation before the award is made.

Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award.

Each group is assessed on the benefits it brings to the local community and its standing within that community.

For more information about the The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, visit the official website by clicking here.