A LIFESAVING voluntary organisation was finally presented with its award recognising the incredible work done by its volunteers.

Bay Search and Rescue was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

The award was handed over by the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria Claire Hensman at a celebration in front of volunteers and supporters of the charity at its operational station in Flookburgh.

Bay Search and Rescue bosses said they were ‘honoured’ to receive the award.

And according to Bay Search and Rescue general manager Abigail Shepherd, 2021 is a special year for the charity as it celebrates 20 years as an operational charity.

“It was lovely to be able to celebrate with everyone,” she said.

“Because of the year we’ve had with Covid it was so nice to be able to get people together and actually celebrate and recognise our volunteers from past and present who have made the charity what it is today.

“And we were also 20 this year so it was really special.”

The charity relies on a wide range of volunteers, from those who attend callouts, to volunteers who keep the charity’s shops running to raise vital funds.

“We’ve got a good, varied range of volunteers, we have the operatives and both shops are run by volunteers,” said Ms Shepherd.

“Afterwards we had a bit of a celebration as a reward.

“Some of our supporters were there too, including businesses, to see us receive the award.

“It was a brilliant day.”