AN EXCEPTIONAL day centre providing care for all ages has received a prestigious national award.

The Earley Day Centre was presented with a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and was one of six Berkshire groups to be honoured at Ufton Court on October 24.

James Puxley, lord lieutenant of Berkshire, handed out the awards and a certificate signed by The Queen in recongition of the dedication of the centre's volunteers.

He said: “These six groups have all been through a rigorous process of investigation before being awarded the very prestigious Queen’s Award.

“I am sure that you cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful good work that goes on here in Berkshire.

“We are very fortunate that we have so many superb voluntary groups based here in the county.”

The prestigious UK national honour is the equivalent of an MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community.

An extract from the judging team added: “The Earley Day Centre is considered unique and exceptional in going above and beyond what might usually be expected of such a centre.

“It addresses and fulfils the otherwise unmet need within the community.”