A QUARTET of Somerset charities have received Royal recognition.

The Exmoor Community Bus Association, the Good Fellowship Club, based in the Yeovil area, Green Wedmore, and the Thomas Poole Library, based in Nether Stowey, have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Equivalent to an MBE for individuals, KAVS is the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK, celebrating outstanding work done by charities.

Justin Sargent DL, who oversees the nomination process in Somerset on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, said: “I am delighted that each of these groups has received the highest recognition for their work in their communities.

“They are four very different organisations, but they all show the extraordinary impact small groups of volunteers can have, making Somerset a better place for everyone. I congratulate them all.

“As well as richly deserved recognition for their hard work, the Kings Awards for Voluntary Service will enhance the reputation of these groups and raise their profile, helping them attract support for their work.”

Jan Ross, from the Exmoor Community Bus Association, said: “We are absolutely delighted and feel humbled to have received this award. It recognises the work we have been doing for the last 42 years.

Steve Mewes, chair of Green Wedmore, said: “This is a tremendous honour for our group; for all the dozens of people that have helped Green Wedmore over the years.

“For those people who have put up signs, helped on a stall, updated a website, enjoyed a woodland work party, organised a Repair Café or planted a tree, this award is for you. In the climate and nature emergency we are in, helping to build a community will be ever more essential.”

Eliza Sackett, secretary of the Thomas Poole Library, said the group was “thrilled” and “so grateful that our efforts have been recognised”.

Beryl Garton, from The Good Fellowship Club, added: “Receiving the nomination for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in October 2024 from Yeovil Mayor Andy Kendall was a big surprise, but now receiving the award is really exciting.

“The club is thrilled with the news. It is a real tribute to the previous volunteers who kept the club going, providing funding for the transport, and will, I hope, enthuse others to carry on running the group, so very necessary for our elderly community here in Yeovil.”