Queen's Award for Luton voluntary group

Debra Knight and Gordon Davis of social enterprise Nine Red Presents at a Buckingham Palace garden party

Now Nine Red Presents has received the ultimate honour – a 2016 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

It will be presented by Bedfordshire Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis on July 2.

Chief executive officer Debra Knight said: “It means a great deal to our organisation.

“Many of our volunteers were at one point beneficiaries of the services NRP provides. In this sense socially/materially disadvantaged individuals are helping other socially/materially disadvantaged individuals build a safer, brighter future.

“This is empowerment for all and a shining example of how ordinary people working together can achieve extraordinary things.” She added: “I’m so excited that our clients and volunteers have been recognised in this way.

“One of our art therapy teams has been involved in Luton Carnival’s 40th anniversary celebrations,

“Our carnival theme is ‘Limitless’ and this award shows them and the world they truly are.”

Last month Debra and NRP managing director Gordon Davis attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace with other winners.

> The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.