A Cockermouth group has lots to celebrate after being given The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

The prestigious award, equivalent to the MBE, has been made in recognition of the exceptional work The Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Group volunteers do for the benefit of their local community.

Kirkgate General Manager Emma Heys said: “This is a great achievement. We are thrilled that our volunteers’ achievements have been recognised.”

Rob Higgins, chair of the Kirkgate’s Board of Trustees, added: “We are absolutely delighted, on behalf of our volunteers, to have received this award.

“We were selected from the Cumbrian nominees to go forward to the national stage so to be included as one of the award winners across the country is a phenomenal achievement.

“The award is ‘for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers’ and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all of our volunteers who play such a crucial role in the life of the Kirkgate.”

Awarded groups get a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal. Up to two representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.

Local assessors research and visit nominated groups before writing a report on their suitability. Local assessment panels then decide which ones to put forward to the National Assessment Committee.

The committee considers the nominations and agrees a shortlist for approval by the King. The nationwide list of recipients was announced this week to mark the King’s 75th birthday.

Volunteers gathered at the Kirkgate Centre on Tuesday to celebrate their success.