The group was set up for offenders and victims

Mothers Against Violence (MAV) supports both offenders and victims of gun crime in the Greater Manchester area.

The organisation is one of 10 in the North West to win an award, which gives recognition to community workers.

Fiona Mactaggart, Minister for the Voluntary and Community Sector, said the award was for "unsung heroes."

Community activity such as theirs is a vital resource Fiona Mactaggart

She said: "Community activity such as theirs is a vital resource - it develops the individual, boosts local communities and enriches the nation.

"We owe all of our volunteer groups an enormous debt and it is appropriate that their hard work is being recognised during Volunteers' Week."

Sundowns, who support Downs Syndrome families in Wirral, Sahara, a Preston organisation for Asian and African-Caribbean, and the Bolton Hospice Volunteer Team also won awards.

All winners were nominated by members of the public who have seen the positive effect of a group in their community.