A TAVISTOCK volunteer group received the Royal seal of approval last week as they were honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Tavistock and District Outdoor Education Forum were among 117 groups in the UK to receive the prestigious accolade, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups and has a status equivalent to the MBE.

They were presented with their award by Devon's Lord-Lieutenant, Sir Eric Dancer, the Queen's representative in the county, at a special ceremonial event on July 18 at County Hall in Exeter.

Paul Johnson received the award on behalf of the TDOEF.

The Tavistock and Outdoor Education Forum was recognised for its outstanding service to younger people within the Tavistock area and beyond.

The forum has been in operation for over 21 years and was started by a group of local people with an interest in outdoor activities and a desire to share their knowledge and expertise.