TWO Devon volunteer groups will receive the Royal seal of approval and be honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018.

The Award, the highest given each year to volunteer groups, sets the benchmark for excellence in volunteering and is equivalent in status to the MBE. It recognises and celebrates outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping and providing opportunity for others in the community and improving the quality of life.

This year’s winners in Devon are the Devon Branch of the SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Dartmouth Caring.

The awards will be presented by Devon’s Lord Lieutenant, David Fursdon, the Queen’s personal representative in the county, at a special ceremonial event later in the year.

Lord-Lieutenant David Fursdon said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is highly sought after and speaks volumes for the strength and value of the voluntary sector in Devon as well as giving national recognition to the marvellous achievements of this year’s Award winners. The Awards Ceremony in County Hall, Exeter, will be a very special occasion.

“I very much hope that these Awards will act as an inspiration to all voluntary groups and volunteers in the county and encourage yet more nominations to be made.”

Brigadier Andrew Pillar, Chairman SSAFA Devon Branch said: “SSAFA Devon is honoured and delighted to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Founded in 1885, SSAFA is the UK’s oldest tri-service military charity.

“It was the only national military charity to have supported serving personnel and their families, throughout the four long years of the First World War so it is very fitting that this award has been made during the Centennial year of the end of the Great War.

“Today SSAFA Devon’s volunteers continue the work of their forebears by working in partnership with other military charities and specialist organisations to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families throughout Devon in order to support independence and dignity.”

Dee Nutt, Chair of Dartmouth Caring said: “I am absolutely delighted that the charity has received this award in recognition for all the work we have been doing to support those in need in the town and local villages.

“It is especially wonderful that this comes one month shy of our 30th Birthday. I would like to thank all the volunteers and staff, present and past, that have made this possible.”