The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire entertained 12 Berkshire groups nominated for the Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service on Friday. 

James Puxley hosted a reception in Wokingham and presented certificates to nominees.

The annual Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was launched by Elizabeth in 2002 – her Golden Jubilee year – to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements by groups of volunteers.

Mr Puxley also awarded four British Empire Medals on behalf of the Queen to Vivien Cooper BEM from Maidenhead, Brian McGuinness from Bisham, Pamela Reynolds from Reading and Pauline Wiltshire from Newbury.

“You have all given great service to the community. You all cover a number of needs and provide support and help in many ways to those who need it most," Mr Puxley said. 

“I am sure that all those whom you help are deeply grateful. We as a community should be most grateful too.”

The groups are currently being considered for the National Awards, and the results will be announced in June.

Any voluntary group wishing to be considered for the 2018 Awards should apply online via www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntary-service/overview

The list of Berkshire based Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service nominees is as follows:

Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain (Reading)

Earley Day Centre (Wokingham)

Jelly (Reading)

League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospital (Reading)

Swallowfield Community Responders (Wokingham)

Thames Valley Kings Wheelchair Basketballl Club (West Berkshire)

The Braywick Charitable Trust (RBWM)

The Calcot Community Group (West Berkshire)

The Wayz (Bracknell Forest)

Time to Talk (West Berkshire)

West Berkshire Therapy Centre (West Berkshire)

Younger People with Dementia (Wokingham)