A VOLUNTARY group which is working to restore the county's canal has been given a Queen's award.

Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust has been presented with the award for voluntary service.

The group of volunteers work in the community across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire to rebuild 34 miles of canal between Hereford and Gloucester.

David Penny and Maggie Jones from H&G Canal Trust attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 24 where they met other winners of this year’s award in the presence of the Queen.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities and are announced on June 2 each year.

H&G Canal Trust volunteers will be invited to receive the award from Dame Janet Trotter, DBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, in a ceremony later this summer.

Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, said: “The huge amount of work and commitment these organisations put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.

"I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a more compassionate society.”

The canal took 53 years to build and was completed in 1845 with 22 locks and three tunnels along its route. It closed in 1881.