A TEAM of unsung heroes have been honoured for keeping a treasured social hub running smoothly to help needy people turn their lives around.

The efforts of helpers from the Creative Living Centre in Prestwich were given royal recognition in the shape of the Queen's Voluntary Award — the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive.

The charity, which is based at a centre next to Prestwich Hospital, off Valley Park Road, has helped people with mental health problems make new friends and obtain jobs since it was founded in 1997.

Clients can access a range of services, from counselling to massage, arts and crafts sessions to yoga, with volunteers playing a key role in laying on the activities.

One example was last October when a range of activities were organised for service users to mark World Mental Health Day.

The centre's chairman Barbara Heron and manager Liz Thompson met the Queen at a Buckingham Palace garden party on May 28, and volunteers were presented with the award at a ceremony at Gorton Monastery on Monday afternoon.

Presenting the award to volunteers Maura Jordon and Stephen Holt was Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith.

Ms Thompson said: "We are delighted to receive this award, which recognises the service provided by the centre and, inparticular, all our volunteers who give their time to support those in our community who have mental-health difficulties.

"The centre could not operate effectively without their work across the whole range of our activities; offering classes and therapies, welcoming people at reception, supporting our members, cooking lunches, looking after the garden and being on our board of trustees.

"Our volunteers contribute so much while at the same time gaining skills, experience and a rewarding sense of achievement."

Civil Society Minister Rob Wilson said: "I would like to congratulate all groups who received this year's Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements.

"The hard work and commitment that goes into the work of these organisations is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.

"I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a bigger, stronger society."