Six voluntary organisations in Northumberland have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for their service to the community. 
 

The worthy recipients are: Empire School of Boxing, Headway Northumberland, North Northumberland Branch of National Autistic Society, Seaton Delaval Arts Centre, Northumbria Mountain Rescue Service and The Glendale Gateway Trust. 

 

The awards will be presented by Dr Caroline Pryer the Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland. 

 

Created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognised outstanding work by volunteer groups. On accession to the throne King Charles iii has continued with the award which has been renamed The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 
 

Empire School of Boxing, Blyth has been running for 30 years and its ethos is to produce ‘good people first, good boxers second’ focusing on improving health, well-being and self-discipline.  

 

Headway Northumberland, based in Shilbottle supports those with brain injury and neurological disorders across the county of Northumberland.  

 

North Northumberland Branch of National Autistic Society, Chatton set up in 2016 supports autistic children, young people and adults as well as their parents and carers. Its main focus is for parents not to feel isolated either pre or post diagnoses – by meeting people in a similar position. 

 

Seaton Delaval Arts Centre is a unique community facility providing access to performance art, well-being, social interaction and culture.  

 

Northumbria Mountain Rescue Service provides a lifesaving, emergency search and rescue service across the Northumbria Police area.  

 

The Glendale Gateway Trust in Wooler operates a community and business centre, a number of commercial units, some affordable housing and Wooler Youth Hostel and Shepherd’s Huts. Its mission is to benefit the community, economy, environment and heritage of Glendale.  

 

Dr Caroline Pryer said: 

“The King’s Award gives national recognition to extraordinary acts of voluntary service and is only given out in exceptional circumstances. 

“I am delighted to present the awards on behalf of His Majesty the King and thank these groups for their passion, dedication and hard work that has helped to improve the lives of so many others in Northumberland.”