Community library 'delighted' with King's Award

The group behind a community library has said it is "absolutely delighted" to be among the recipients of a King's Award for voluntary service.

Shenstone Community Library Association, which runs the service in Shenstone, Staffordshire, was one of 231 organisations named in the list on Friday.

The group was honoured alongside four other Staffordshire organisations: Simon's Heroes, Stafford and District Bereavement & Loss Service, Tamworth Wellbeing and Cancer Support Service, and the @21 Leek Town Centre Project.

The annual awards programme recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups, charities and organisations that benefit their local communities.

Lynda Jones, chair of trustees at Shenstone Community Library Association, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have our charity's work recognised in this award.

"We have worked hard to develop a welcoming, inclusive space for the benefit of members of the community.

"Our dedicated and skilful volunteers are at the heart of this achievement together with local people who contribute so much to support us."

Jane Tattersall of the @21 Leek Town Centre Project, which provides support to vulnerable teenagers, told BBC Radio Stoke that receiving the award was "fantastic".

"It's really lovely our volunteers are being recognised," she added. "They work so hard and have shown their dedication for years."

The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Liz Barnes, will present the groups with certificates signed by the King and a commemorative crystal in the coming months.

Prof Barnes said: "These five recipients of this year's honours are more fantastic examples of the hundreds of organisations that seek to make our county a better place."

Representatives from the groups will also receive an invitation to attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace.

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