MILTON ABBOT voluntary workers with CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) have won a 'Make A Difference' national award.
Emily John and Sally Cox received the award for CHICKS, as one of 15 finalists, during December at an event in London.
While there they met Lord Levy, President of Community Service Volunteers, the national volunteer organisation.
More than 25,000 people took part in the event on October 28. CHICKS gave 14 Derbyshire youngsters, aged eight to 11, a day out in Devon, including rock-climbing and abseiling.
All the young people involved have to look after elderly, ill or disabled relatives and therefore cannot enjoy a normal childhood. CHICKS helps to redress the balance in their lives.
Its co-ordinator Pam Wakeling said: 'we have gone in for the award for several years but this is the first time we have won anything, so we were surprised and very pleased to have the recognition.'
Sally arranges a visit to Devon by young people from Camberwell, south London, every year, and Emily is the group's supervisor who goes out with the young people on their activities.
CSV said the 'Make a Difference Day', which was started five years ago and is now sponsored by the Woolwich, had introduced more than 30,000 people to volunteering. This year's 'Make a Difference Day' will be October 27.