A Cumbrian coastal rescue team has deservedly earned a King's award for its incredible voluntary service. 

It was confirmed earlier this week that Maryport Rescue Team, alongside Coastwatch Redcar and the National Coastwatch Institution in Newhaven, had earned a King's Award for Voluntary Service. 

Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Michael Messenger, operations manager at Maryport Rescue Team, said: 

"We are honoured, humbled, and immensely proud to have been one of the recipients of the Kings Award for Voluntary service.

"The whole team are on a high as this prestigious award is recognition of the commitment from the team in providing lifesaving rescue services in The Solway Firth, rivers, lakes and inland waterways, also our search and rescue capability for lost, missing, vulnerable people.

"Maryport Rescue also are one of the  teams listed on the National Asset Register for flood which can be deployed anywhere in the UK if requested.

"We are registered charity 1113807 and are on call for the above 24/7/365 days to respond to calls for assistance from HM Coastguard, Cumbria Police and Cumbria Fire and rescue."

Awarded annually to some of the UK’s most inspiring volunteer-led groups for their charitable endeavours, this year 227 organisations from England, 20 from Scotland, six from Wales and nine from Northern Ireland have received the first ever King’s Award. 

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, said: "I want to congratulate all the 262 awardees of the King's Award for Voluntary Service. It is fantastic to see your outstanding work and the impact you have in the communities we all live in."