ORGANISERS and members of the Kennet Gateway Club have been delighted to hear it has won a national award.

The club that provides social meetings for people with learning difficulties is to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary service.

It's one of only 110 groups across the UK to receive an award this year.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, will be visiting the next club meeting on June 24 to officially present the award on behalf of the queen.

All of the winning groups have been nominated by members of the public in appreciation of their unsung work.

The Kennet Gateway Club, whose members come from all parts of the district plus Calne, was nominated by Devizes town councillor Colin Hopgood.

Club leader and founder Phil Hiscock said: "We are absolutely chuffed. We are really pleased because we have never looked for any recognition of what we do."

Mr Hiscock said the club was originally started as an offshoot of the East Wiltshire Society for the Mentally Handicapped.

His sister Margaret, who died a year ago, had Down's syndrome and he was aware of the lack of social facilities for those with learning difficulties.

He had previously been involved in running youth clubs and young farmers' groups and used that experience to launch the Kennet Gateway Club.

It meets once a fortnight in the Woodborough Social Club with between 80 and 100 of its 120 members attending most meetings.

Activities range from bingo and skittles to discos, barbecues and occasional outings. Some members even take part in an annual camp organised by the Somerset and Wiltshire Gateway groups.

Announcing the awards this week the Minister for the voluntary and community sector, Fiona Mactaggart, said: "This annual award gives well-deserved recognition to some of the unsung heroes of our communities, groups like the Kennet Gateway Club.

"Community activity such as theirs is a vital resource. It develops the individual, boosts local communities and enriches the nation."

Anyone wanting to nominate voluntary group for the 2005 Queen's awards should ring 0845 000 2002.