VOLUNTEERS who protect and promote Hyndburn’s parks have been congratulated for receiving the highest honour they can be given.

Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, made up of local community groups, helps to protect and promote the green spaces and parks in Hyndburn, working together to secure external funding for community projects and providing help and assistance to each other on community consultation and community events and also works with the council to secure Green Flag status for our parks.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn Council leader, said: “Congratulations to the Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, this award is richly deserved as the members, who are all volunteers, give their time and energy so freely to make where they live a better place for all.

“We’re lucky to have this group of community volunteers here in Hyndburn, we really appreciate the great work that they do and it’s marvellous that they are being recognised nationally now with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”

Cath Holmes, chair of Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, said: “We were bowled over and humbled to even be nominated for this award, so to have achieved this accolade is such an honour.

"Every volunteer involved should be so, so proud and we thank all of them for their dedication, determination and the work they do freely to benefit the community and Borough of Hyndburn.

"Thanks must be given to Hyndburn Council, especially the Parks Department, without whom our achievements would not have been possible. It’s a true team effort.

"We must also thank Murray Dawson for nominating the group and to Tony Grimshaw who came to assess the forum. And lastly but importantly, thanks to all our families and friends who support us in many ways.”