A CHELFORD charity have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2015.

The accolade, which is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK has been awarded to Chelford Tenants and Residents Association.

The group provide support, advice and respresentation for its members and the community on a range of local issues.

Michael Jehan, Chair of the Association said: "I feel very proud and privileged that Chelford Tenants and Residents Association has been honoured for its work in the local community. It is a testament to the hard working volunteers who have made such a difference to our local people, and to our supporters without whom we would not exist.

“As well as providing a wide ranges of activities including a community garden project, social events, coach trips and computer classes we also support our mainly older tenants to improve their housing, local communities and lives generally"

The group support activities for all generations alongside the Chelford Primary School and agencies such as Age UK Cheshire East, The Chelford Practice and Chelford Parish Council.

Volunteers aim to improve the lives of older people by arranging events and activities that combat social isolation, which has been dubbed the ‘hidden killer’ for senior citizens.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee Chair, Martyn Lewis CBE said: “I warmly congratulate all of the inspirational voluntary groups who have been rewarded for their community work with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“The judging panel for this year’s awards were struck by the quality and breadth of all the successful groups.

“The thousands of volunteers who give up spare time to help others in their community and to help solve problems demonstrate the best of democracy in action.”

Michael and secretary of the association,David Kent, have now been invited to attend the Queens Garden Party at Edinburgh in July, where they will meet the Queen and other winners of this year’s award.

The award will be granted by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire at Mere Court in mid-July.