A hardworking group of community volunteers has today received royal recognition of its incredible efforts.

Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (CERG) has been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK - the MBE for voluntary groups.

There are more than 300 volunteers in the group which was set up following the 2015 floods to prepare for future emergencies.

Members worked round the clock when floods hit the town last October. A team of volunteers supported those in need and kept everyone informed regarding forecasts and river level predictions.

In recent years the group's role has expanded hugely - in response to lockdown and the pandemic.

CERG played a big part in supporting people in need. Volunteers also worked tirelessly at hundreds of local vaccination clinics.

Co-ordinator Jo Crozier said: "We were absolutely amazed to get the award. It makes it even more special when it's the Queen's jubilee.

"It's recognition of all the hard work by volunteers that has gone on during lockdown and the vaccination process.

"People have worked so hard with such good cheer, leading the way as a good example "I always knew the volunteers were best in the world, now it's official!"

Jo joined the group, which has no core funding, in 2018. "It was very much a fledgling organisation then and has grown so much over the years.

"There were so many people in Cockermouth wanting to help during lockdown. It really reinforced the community spirit."

A county council spokesman said: "The group works in partnership with other local voluntary organisations and statutory bodies, engaging volunteers and other resources to provide assistance during and in the aftermath of an emergency.

"The QAVS is awarded annually to recognise and reward the most exceptional groups who provide volunteer-led activities carried out by local groups and providing significant benefit to their communities.

"Just 244 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups received this prestigious award this year."

The group will be presented with a trophy by presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman. Two volunteers from the group will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year.

Mrs Hensman said: "The QAVS is the highest accolade that any voluntary organisation can achieve and I am delighted that Cockermouth Emergency Response Group has achieved this impressive level of national recognition. I congratulate them, and thank the group for their tireless work and commitment to the community they serve."

Volunteer Liz Hampson said: "I'm so proud to be a volunteer and board member with CERG. Once again, Cockermouth has risen exceptionally to challenging times."Cockermouth was recognised and appreciated during the pandemic by vulnerable householders, all the way to royalty and policitians. To be recognised and awarded the QAVC is very humbling."

NOMINATION: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/19723241.cockermouth-flood-volunteers-queens-award/