VOLUNTEERS at Number 8 Arts Centre celebrated a Queen's Award at a ceremony.

The Pershore centre received an award for Voluntary Service presented by the vice lord lieutenant of Worcestershire, The Hon Lady Morrison and was accepted by long-time volunteer Eileen Perry on behalf of the Number 8 volunteers.

The ceremony which was attended by over 130 volunteers took place in the auditorium at Number 8, followed by a canapes and drinks reception in the centre’s recently refurbished foyer.

With an equivalent status for voluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals, the QAVS is the highest award given to local volunteer groups to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.

Number 8 is a registered charity that brings the very best of the arts, entertainment and culture to rural Worcestershire.

The centre offers a vibrant programme of film, live shows, events beamed in via satellite, exhibitions, creative courses and space for community hire. The organisation is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees Number 8 and has over 160 volunteers who work alongside just a few members of paid staff.

The work that Number 8 does for the community was very much admired by the QAVS Independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE.

For further details about Number 8 see www.number8.org or call 01386 555488.