TWO South Cumbrian voluntary organisations have won the 'MBE for volunteer groups'.

Dalton Community Association Drill Hall and Manna House have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Dalton Community Association Drill Hall volunteers took ownership of the almost derelict 1930's Drill Hall and turned it into a bright, warm, cheerful hub for the whole community.

The building hosts more than fifty user groups which cover the full age range: nursery, youth, educational support and activities for many minority interests.

The centre provides a base for several public services which can no longer afford their own premises, thus preserving those services to the town.

Manna House was set up in 2003 and now has more than 80 volunteers. They work for the benefit of the public in South Lakeland, providing advice, advocacy and a drop-in support centre for those who are homeless, vulnerably housed, lonely or needing help.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award made to recognise and reward the most exceptional and innovative groups who provide voluntary led activities carried out by local groups in the community.

It is a highly competitive and prestigious award where by only around 50 per cent of the nominees go on to win.

The award was announced in 2002 as part of the celebrations for The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and was first known as The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award.

Winners receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal. Representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.

Elsewhere in Cumbria, the Volunteer Prescription Delivery Service based around the Low Hesket, Carlisle area also received the award.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs. Claire Hensman said: “The Queens Awards for Voluntary Service is the highest accolade for any voluntary organisation. Here in Cumbria, the voluntary sector is thriving and I’d like to congratulate Dalton Community Association Drill Hall, Manna House and the Volunteer Prescription Delivery Service for their tireless work and commitment to the communities they serve. They are all thoroughly deserving of this 2018 award."