TWO well-known Ross-on-Wye organisations have been awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities. They are among just 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2nd – the anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

Ross charity Hope Support Services has been honoured with the award hailed as the "MBE for volunteer groups", for the tireless work of their Youth Management Teams and other volunteers.

Ross Juniors Chairman Jim Loftus and Junior Section Coordinator Paul Flitney are thrilled that they are able to share the wonderful news that Ross Juniors Football Club has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

For the full report, see this week's edition of the Ross Gazette.