IT WAS smiles all round as a group of volunteers were awarded The Queen’s Award for their voluntary services across the South West.

South West Fishing for Life found out they had won the award, which is equivalent to an MBE in June.

They were presented with the award by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Gass,at a ceremony at Wimbleball Lake on November 26.

A certificate signed by the Queen was given to volunteers along with a crystal to mark the achievements of the club. 

The group, set up five years ago, acts as therapy and respite for people suffering or recovering from breast cancer.

Group founder Gillian Payne, 67, said it was a great day.

She said: “It was so lovely, I’m still walking around in a dream now.

“Everyone had a wonderful afternoon and Lady Gass was wonderful. She stayed for ages and spoke to everyone – you can tell she really cares about the events she goes along to.”

As a special surprise, Gillian also organised for all of the volunteers to receive special badges to commemorate the award.

She said: “I wanted to give them all something special and only the committee knew about it.

Everyone was really touched and delighted.”