VOLUNTEERS from the Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve are “thrilled” to have been nominated for the 2020 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Representatives joined other nominees to receive an official thank you from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, at a reception at Loseley Park.

They are one of six Surrey groups to be nominated for the highest national honour given to UK volunteers.

The announcement to say which nominated groups across the UK have been successful will be made on June 2.

Winners will be invited to send two representatives to a Royal Garden Party this summer and they will receive a certificate signed by HRH The Queen and a domed crystal award.

Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve volunteer Mark Elsoffe said: “We are thrilled to have been nominated for this prestigious award, which is considered the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups.

“Our nomination is a reflection of the hard work and commitment shown by our wonderful team of volunteers, and the feats they have achieved in turning Tice’s Meadow into an award-winning community nature reserve.

“During a difficult period for our volunteers, with the site sale looming large, the whole nomination and judging process has been a welcome distraction and has allowed us all to reflect on what we have achieved over the past few years, and what could be possible with the backing of a sympathetic land owner moving forward.”

Congratulating the nominees, the Lord-Lieutenant said: “It is my earnest hope your commitment and tireless work for the benefit of others in our local communities will be honoured with an award.

“Without the work of charities and voluntary groups like yours, many communities in Surrey would be poorer and our ability to meet local need with care and compassion would be so much less. ”