THE search is on for Lancashire voluntary groups suitable for a Royal seal of approval.

Nominations for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service are being sought online by September 15.

Terry Hephrun, chair of the Lancashire Panel for the award, said: "In 2002, in celebration of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service by Groups in the Community was established.

"Its purpose is to recognise exceptional groups of individuals who are giving their time freely for the benefit of others and are making a real difference in the communities they serve. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE.

"As such, The Queen’s Award not only serves to provide recognition of volunteer groups, but also demonstrates the high respect in which volunteering is held. We all know the value of voluntary effort to support communities not least in the difficult circumstances we are continuing to face in 2021.

"Groups must be nominated for the award – self nomination is not permitted.

"Groups solely concerned with fundraising for charitable purposes or operating solely for the benefit of animals are not eligible."