Top award for search and rescue volunteers

CHESHIRE Search and Rescue – set up 14 years ago after a teenage girl went missing in Warrington – has won a top award.
They have been chosen to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.
Team leader Simon Lane said: “The whole team is delighted to announce this award, which can be aligned to receiving an ‘MBE for charities’ Cheshire SAR has been running for 14 years now and all of our members over the years have contributed to this success.
“It’s a real honour to have our work recognised in this way and a wonderful thank you to all those who give up their time and expertise to make the team what it is.
“The application process took a long time and the team had to demonstrate its worthiness to receive an award of this nature in a consistent manner. I’m happy that all the hard work has paid off and each and every member of the team, plus those who we work with on a regular basis, can enjoy the recognition that this award represents.”
The award is open to volunteer groups who are run locally and provide a service, meeting a need for people living in their local area. It is also important that recipients are recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit.
The assessment process takes more than a year with initial nominations leading to report submissions and demonstrations. Local assessment panels look at nominations before deciding which will progress to the National Award Committee. This committee then makes recommendations to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which send a final list to the Queen for approval.
Winners receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal.