THE Queen’s representative in Lancashire will present five voluntary groups with a special award in September.

One of those selected for the Royal seal of approval is Civic Pride, Rossendale.

It will receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for deploying a dedicated army of volunteers to keep Rawtenstall litter free, and its many planting projects to help the town to look its best all year round.

Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth, whose historic family seat is Padiham’s Gawthorpe Hall, will present this ‘MBE for volunteers’ on September 27 at County Hall,Preston.

The other winners are: The Abaseen Foundation UK, Lancaster; The Fairfield Association, Lancaster; The National Coastwatch Institution, Rossall Point; and The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, Blackpool.

Lord Shuttleworth said: “Their 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.”