Northumberland's Lord-Lieutenant presents King’s Award for Voluntary Service to Blyth Battery volunteers
A group of volunteers who look after and maintain Blyth’s historic military battery have received their King’s Award for Voluntary Service medals.
The volunteers of Blyth Battery have celebrated being presented with the highest honour awarded to voluntary groups in the UK and widely regarded as the equivalent of an MBE.
The accolade recognises the group’s outstanding contribution to preserving local heritage and supporting the community.
It was marked by a special weekend tea party and as well as receiving the main award, each volunteer also received a commemorative lapel badge – with around 40 volunteers proudly wearing their badges as they celebrated this significant honour together.
The presentations were made by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, Dr Caroline Pryer.
The group is dedicated to preserving and running Blyth Battery, a historic First World War and Second World War coastal defence system located on South Beach.
They operate the site as a museum on the weekends during the spring and summer months – the site is closed over the winter.
Volunteers provide guided tours, support school visits and organise events, most notably the annual ‘Blyth Battery Goes to War’, along with smaller events throughout the year.
A spokesperson for the group said: “This award is a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of our volunteers.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us in our journey.”
Blyth Battery Volunteers are one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
The group’s work, along with that of others across the UK, highlights the many ways volunteers contribute to local communities.