The Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Cllr Gordon Mackay had the privilege of meeting Mr Mohammed Saddiq, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset at his first official engagement on Thursday at a gathering to discuss the King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Held at the Canalside Conference Centre in Bridgwater, the Mayor was one of several dignitaries and local leaders invited to the event where the KAVS was explained in detail and the role the Somerset Lieutenancy plays in receiving and vetting nominations. The KAVS is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK and was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups. The announcement of awards is made in June each year.

Somerset's two previous winners of this prestigious award gave short presentations describing how the award has been of huge benefit to their voluntary organisations.

Recipient of the award in 2022, PROMISEworks recruits, trains and supports volunteers, to provide one-to-one mentoring to improve the mental health and well-being of some of Somerset's most vulnerable young people, aged from 5 to 25.

Also present were the Somerset Freewheelers, who received the award in 2008. Also known as the Blood Bikes, this registered charity offers an out of hours, free of charge courier service to the NHS. Freewheelers transport blood, pathology and microbiology specimens, patient notes, X-rays, breast milk and other medical supplies, plus deliver every night to two local Air Ambulance bases.

Commenting, Cllr Mackay said, 'It's an honour to meet Mr Saddiq and learn more about this award, it's so very important to recognise the amazing work volunteers do in our communities. Midsomer Norton is all about community and we have an army of incredible volunteers. I'd urge anyone who has benefited from charities that provide a truly exception service, to consider submitting a nomination.'

For more information about the KAVS and details of how to submit nominations are on the Somerset Lieutenancy's website.