THE Hereford and Gloucester Canal Trust has just been crowned with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award, the highest given to local volunteer groups across the UK and recognises the outstanding work undertaken in their communities.

The canal trust depends wholly on its large band of volunteers to progress its objective to rebuild a sustainable Canal between Hereford and Gloucester.

The ongoing canal restoration and its renovation work in the community was very much admired by the independent assessment committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis.

A spokesman for the trust said: “We are extremely pleased that our volunteer’s efforts have been recognised in this way.

“The trust and its volunteers have been invited to receive the award from Dame Janet Trotter, Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire later this summer.

• The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the winners are announced each year on the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.