TIRELESS volunteers who devote their lives to helping others across Inverclyde received the highest honour possible from Her Majesty at a special civic reception.

The red carpet was rolled out at the Municipal Buildings as Your Voice Inverclyde Community Care Forum officially received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the group equivalent of the MBE.

To celebrate the occasion, Provost Robert Moran hosted an event where the Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Guy Clark, presented the volunteers with a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal. 

Mr Clark: “It was great to see so many volunteers to witness the presentation of this award, which recognises the most magnificent contribution they make to those who are less fortunate.

“There is no higher award to be presented to an organisation such as this one.” 

The Lord Lieutenant, whose Queen’s Award Committee produced a detailed citation which highly recommended the group for the award, presented Margaret Telfer, the chairwoman of Your Voice, with it, below.

She said: “It’s my pleasure to accept this on behalf of all the volunteers at Your Voice.

“They are all assets to Inverclyde.”

Nell McFadden MBE, who was a founding member of Your Voice, told the Tele that the organisation makes a huge difference in the local area and its prestigious new title is well deserved.

She said: “It’s absolutely marvellous.

“When you see what happiness Your Voice has brought to the people of Inverclyde, it’s unbelievable.”

Karen Haldane, the executive officer of Your Voice, added: “It’s a proud honour.

“It’s so good to recognise the time, commitment and dedication of the volunteers.

“We couldn’t do what we do without them. A lot of our volunteers have experienced the situations themselves, maybe they live with a long term condition or health issue or perhaps have struggled with isolation. In a lot of cases, we have helped them, then they give something back by volunteering with us.”