The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, will be officially presenting The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to five volunteer groups.

This is the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

The award ceremony will be held on Monday 4 July at County Hall in Preston.

Each of the groups will receive a certificate signed by HM The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Lord Shuttleworth.

Lord Shuttleworth said: "This year, Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service in Lancashire have been won by five groups. They include hundreds of volunteers who work to improve and support local communities in health, welfare, sport, community building and in providing park-based leisure from an otherwise derelict piece of land.

"Their exceptional vision, hard work and persistence have improved the lives of thousands and I look forward to presenting them with their Awards on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen."

This prestigious UK national honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering. With the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

Forty-three groups from Lancashire have now received this annual award, since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

The groups who will receive the award are:

* Braille IT, East Lancashire – received the award for providing free tuition to visually impaired people in Braille and Information Technology. The group holds classes in five venues across East Lancashire and is believed to be the only group in the UK who are carrying out this type of work.

* Inter Madrassah Organisation, Blackburn-with-Darwen – received the award for challenging areas of disadvantage in local South Asian heritage communities. The organisation seeks to increase the life chances and opportunities of all people living in the borough and provides a vital service in enhancing community engagement.

* Kepple Lane Park Trust, Garstang – received the award for transforming a run-down piece of land into a park to be proud of, which is now visited regularly by residents in the local communities and the surrounding areas. It has been estimated that 13,000 people visit the park annually.

* North West Blood Bikes – received the award for providing an independent and professionally run voluntary round-the-clock service, transferring medical essentials such as blood during the hours when the NHS do not operate. They assist in saving lives and the NHS thousands of pounds annually.

* The Skelmersdale Men-Aces Football Club – received the award for providing opportunities for adults with learning and physical difficulties to be included and accepted in a team, giving every individual a sense of pride and belonging. Nowhere is to be found such a prime example of courage, determination, respect and effective teamwork that these volunteers have provided.

For details of all this year’s award winners and information on how to nominate, visit www.direct.gov.uk/qavs, where a nomination form can be downloaded.