The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service was won by 12 groups in the South West

The Home Furniture Service Trust in Taunton Deane is one of 12 groups in the South West this year to win a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The awards are given to volunteers who regularly devote time to help others.

Fiona Mactaggart, minister for the voluntary sector, said: "This award gives well-deserved recognition to some of the unsung heroes of our community."

All winners of the annual award are nominated by members of the public who have either benefited from their work, or seen the positive effect on the community.

Winners in the region this year also included the Kennet Gateway Club, which provides a meeting place in Pewsey, Wiltshire, for adults with learning difficulties.

The South Gloucestershire Asian Project, in Bradley Stoke, also won an award for its work providing services and events for Asian people.