VOLUNTEERS and staff at a disability charity have been honoured with a letter from the Queen for their services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Workers at Leonard Cheshire in Barrow have received a royal surprise from HRH Queen Elizabeth, praising the charity’s efforts during the coronavirus crisis.

The Queen, who is a patron of Leonard Cheshire, said: “I was impressed to learn of the extent of the support provided to disabled people by the charity, both in the United Kingdom and around the world, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have pleasure in sending my warm good wishes and thanks to all those concerned with the important work of Leonard Cheshire.”

Les McLeese, team leader at YouthAbility - a youth centre that is part of Leonard Cheshire - said the letter was a ‘morale boost’ for all the volunteers.

He said: “I’ve been here for 15 years and have never had anything like that before. All the other volunteers got one too and it really lifted all their spirits.

“It’s just a little morale boost in the hard times we’re currently in.”

Despite the letter being addressed to staff and volunteers, Mr McLeese said it represents the hard work of supporters, parents and the wider community.

He said: “Although the letter is aimed at staff and volunteers - I like to see it as an open letter to all supporters, parents and the wider community.

“I’d like to share it with them too because it’s not just us. They really put the work in too.”

Mr McLeese added the letter is a recognition of the centre’s hard work during the pandemic, and it will now be put up at the centre for all to see.

The team leader added: “It’s arrived just at the right time when we’re coming back and people’s moods are up and down,” he said.

“It just gives you that warm feeling and gives you a little buzz that someone higher up is thanking you.

“On a personal level, I met the Queen in Barrow when I went to my youth club as as kid so it’s come full circle for me.

“Just something as simple as a letter thanking you for all your work makes it all worth it.”

"We’ll definitely put it up in the centre.

“And I might give the kids a copy and distribute it to them because they deserve the recognition too.”