Community group One Voice is celebrating receiving the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2018.

They among two groups to receive the honour in Blackburn, the other being the Brookhouse Development Group (BHDG).

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

One Voice run a 1V Scouts, West End Girls, 2020 Vision, Women’s Network and a range of sporting offering to assist social isolation among communities.

Chairman of One Voice Abrar Hussain said, “We are thrilled to receive this award. This accolade is a real testament to the invaluable and far reaching work of all our volunteers. This tremendous recognition is a tribute to their tireless efforts.”

Local leaders were quick to heap praise on the Blackburn based community interest company.

The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said: "This is a wonderful achievement and I would like to congratulate One Voice on achieving the highest award given to local volunteer groups - the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service."

Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of the Council, said: “This award really recognises the tireless work by volunteers in their communities to support social inclusion and One Voice has really made its mark on so many people across Blackburn with Darwen. They give their time for free to reach out to people and their impact is enormous."

The group has already visited Buckingham Palace and will receive an official certificate, signed by the Queen, and trophy at a local presentation hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.