A Warrington charity has been given the highest award a local voluntary group can receive.

HOBY UK, which was founded in 2006, has been granted The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

The charity, based on Sankey Street, was founded in partnership with the international HOBY organisation based in the US.

HOBY UK’s mission is to inspire and empower young people to become the leaders of the future, through seminars, workshops and the organisation of community work.

HOBY UK is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.

2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s Birthday.

Representatives of HOBY UK will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lady Redmond, Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire later this summer.

In addition, two volunteers from HOBY UK will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Rosemary Panting, CEO, said: "I felt honoured to be appointed CEO of HOBY UK earlier this year, and our charity receiving this prestigious award has made me feel so proud of all the work that has gone before me.

"Our volunteers, leadership team and trustees have done a fantastic job over the years and this award is a reflection of their hard work and dedication.

"Thank you to all who have contributed to our success."

Mike, a Warrington local who went through the programme in 2009 said: "I’m so proud that HOBY UK has been given such a prestigious award, particularly in light of the important work they do.

"Without HOBY UK my life might have taken a very different path, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for."