King Charles III gives award to Saffron Walden skills charity
Shaun Whitmore/BBCKing Charles III has given an Essex charity and its volunteers the royal seal of approval.
Enterprise East Group CIC, which runs cafes and salons in Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow, was handed the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
The charity teaches employable skills, such as in beauty and hospitality, to vulnerable people including those with disabilities and ex-offenders.
Founder Sam McReynolds said: "We just didn't believe it would happen."
It is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE, with winners handed a certificate signed by the King and a domed glass crystal.
Shaun Whitmore/BBCMs McReynolds said people who were the furthest from the job market - including people overcoming addiction - were among its core beneficiaries.
"We offer a place where you can learn transferable work skills, where you can feel valued and part of your community because that's important," she said.
"When you know what you've done and what you've achieved - and you see somebody reach a certain milestone, somebody achieve something they never thought possible - it's just amazing."
'Kindness and compassion'
Among the charity's fleet of businesses are Cafe Cornell, Cornell Salon and Cornell Health & Beauty in Saffron Walden.
Sandy's Diner and The Tea Leaf have also opened in Great Dunmow.
Shaun Whitmore/BBCVolunteer Carmel Campbell said: "The atmosphere and environment is inclusive and supportive and so caring.
"The training they are given is given with such kindness and compassion - it makes them thrive and their confidence soars."
