A HALE-based charity has received royal recognition for the outstanding work carried out by its volunteers.

The Fed - a social care charity to the Jewish community - has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award in the country for volunteer groups.

The achievement is being shared with the charity’s 550 plus volunteers who are invited to a thank you party during national Volunteers Week. The theme of this year is the Big Celebration.

The Fed's Juliette Pearce, who manages volunteer services, said: “The theme couldn’t be more fitting for us. This will be the Fed’s very own Big Celebration.

"We are giving our volunteers a 'royal' treat of their own to thank them for their loyalty and commitment and for helping us reach this point. We’re inviting them to an evening garden party at Heathlands Village, Prestwich, to demonstrate our appreciation."

Diane Richardson, who also manages volunteer services, added: “We don’t view this as the Fed’s award – this belongs to all the wonderful people who volunteer their time, through us, to help other people – making such a significant difference to the lives of so many in Greater Manchester."

As part of the recognition, Juliette and Diane attended one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace on May 19.

The award will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester,Warren Smith, at a ceremony at Gorton Monastery in July.

Juliette and and Diane will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and domed glass crystal, on behalf of the Fed.

The award follows selection, by local assessment panels, of nominated charities, who forwarded those selected to the national award committee. This in turn made recommendations to the Cabinet Office, which sent a final list to the Queen for her approval.