TWO of Inverclyde’s top voluntary groups have celebrated receiving a Royal seal of approval for their services to the community.

Port Glasgow Victoria Boxing Club and Inverclyde Elderly Forum have been presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services.

It is the highest possible honour awarded for voluntary groups, and recognises ‘outstanding contribution’ to the area.

To mark the occasion, Provost Robert Moran welcomed the groups to the town hall for a civic reception.

VIP guests on the night included Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark.

Both groups say they have been overwhelmed by the reaction to their awards.

Elderly forum chairwoman Nell McFadden said: “It was a really lovely evening. A Queen’s Award is a wonderful achievement and lovely recognition for all that we have achieved over the years.

“We are very, very proud to be recognised in this way. We have worked very hard for change over the years.” Inverclyde Elderly Forum has founded 27 years ago by a group that included Nell.

Since their creation they have worked tirelessly to improve rights and services for elderly people.

They have fought numerous campaigns on behalf of OAPs and Nell herself has spoken out nationally about matters affecting elderly people, including fuel poverty.

They were told earlier this year that they were to receive the honour.

In July they attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Holyrood along with Port Glasgow Victoria Boxing Club.

The groups came together again for the provost’s reception.

The long-running Port Glasgow-based boxing club has helped change the lives of hundreds of young people in Inverclyde, offering them opportunities they otherwise would have been denied.

They have a thriving girls’ section and have brought through promising professionals including James and Grant Quigley.

Head coach Kenny Crighton, pictured, said: “The boxing club would like to thank Inverclyde Council for a fantastic reception and for its continued support and sponsorship over the years.

“The club founder Tony Mcrory would have been proud of this award. Sadly he passed away 22 years ago, along with ex-club secretary George Ross, who passed away a few short years ago.”