Pleasley Canoe Club, from Derbyshire, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.
It is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, the equivalent of a MBE.
Dale Smith, Chair of the club, said:
“It’s a great compliment to everyone’s hard work that the club is recognised at such a level.
“The award shows everyone’s hard work and dedication that makes Pleasley Canoe Club such a success.”
The club started from humble beginnings about 30 years ago and has since gone from strength to strength culminating in achieving the The King’s Award for Voluntary Services.
The club exists thanks Dale Smith and Darrel Hill who wanted to offer something significant for the local area.
It has since moved from Pleasley to Tapton Lock in Chesterfield, and has the advantage of being placed between the Chesterfield Canal and River Rother, so has both flat and moving water available.
The clubs sessions run throughout the year on Friday evenings during the summer and on alternative Sundays through the winter.
They also run regular weekly sessions on the Derwent throughout the year along with monthly river trips.
It is fully inclusive and accessible to all, having worked with various groups including The Dwarf Sports Association, Scouts, Guides and many other groups.
The club said: “The selfless commitment of volunteers is the strength of this club and the award is testament to the untiring commitment of its founders and all its volunteers.”
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.
Recipients are announced annually on 14 November, The King’s Birthday.