VOLUNTEERS behind the community cafe and cinema at St George's Hall in Bewdley have received royal recognition for their hard work.

The St George's Hall Volunteers is one of just 230 charitable groups announced today to receive a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the highest honour for voluntary groups in the UK.

Around 100 volunteers make up the St George's Hall Group - most of whom are retired - with roles ranging from customer service in the busy cafe, running the weekly cinema, stewarding and serving behind the bar.

Jenny Paddock, on behalf of the trustees, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our volunteers’ enthusiasm, commitment and sheer hard work has been recognised with this prestigious award.

"This award is well deserved, and we are so incredibly proud of all of them."

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.

Representatives of St George’s Hall Volunteers will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire later this summer, and two volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021.

Before the coronavirus lockdown, the cafe was open six days a week - Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

The cinema has been held weekly every Thursday since 2014 and there has also been a monthly music event, supported by volunteers.

The majority of the volunteers work in the busy cafe, working one or more shifts per week and serving mainly drinks and cakes. Some volunteers organise the art exhibitions in the cafe which change every four to six weeks.

Many other groups such as Bewdley WI, Bewdley Civic Society, Transition Bewdley and Bewdley Festival meet and hold events at the hall.

Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, said: “I am delighted that this group’s work has been recognised in this way.

"During our assessment visit, we were impressed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the diverse roles they take on; from planning large extension projects, to serving in the café and hosting film evenings.

"The St George’s Hall is a perfect example of a community coming together to improve the lives of local people.

"The volunteers have created a vibrant, safe and accessible focal point for the local community and their Queen’s Award is very well deserved.”