A VOLUNTARY group based in Feckenham has received a royal seal of approval from the Queen.

The Village Shop was selected for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service last month and the Lord Lieutenant of Worcester Patrick Holcroft LVO OBE visited the shop to present the prize on Wednesday, July 1.

The award is the highest possible acclaim a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is chosen by Her Majesty from thousands of nominations.

On receiving the prestigious award, chairman John Eaton, said: “It is wonderful when initiatives grow and achieve so much more than was initially intended.

“I am delighted to receive this certificate on behalf of all the volunteers in recognition of all our efforts from you as our Queen’s representative.

This is a tremendous honour and reward for the whole community, recognising the culture of volunteering that takes place.

Thank you volunteers for your hard work, thank you villagers for your ongoing support and thank you Lord Lieutenant for being here today.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Worcester Lt Col Patrick Holcroft LVO OBE said he was impressed by the community organisation.

“I was delighted to hear from the Cabinet Office that The Village Shop had been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service," He said. This is extremely well-deserved and I congratulate you warmly.”

After 20 years without a village shop, a group of people without retail experience decided to set up a new one.

They raised £40,000 in just seven months and 300 villagers signed up to be shareholders.

The building has brought the wider community together with local schools and businesses benefitting from its support.

Today an 80-strong team of volunteers help run the shop seven days a week.