Wiltshire Search and Rescue has been announced as one of 130 winners of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

This prestigious UK National Honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

WILSAR exist to search for missing vulnerable people, such as those suffering from dementia, who are despondent, lost children or people who have had accidents while out walking or biking. Those receiving this year’s Award were selected from 413 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.

WILSAR will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in Wiltshire John Bush, Esq., OBE, JP at a special ceremony.

The group has also received an invitation for representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

Speaking of their success, Steve Upton chairman from WILSAR said:” I am over the moon! This is a tremendous achievement to receive recognition for the work we do in the local community and the whole team should feel very proud of themselves.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Award Committee Chair, former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said, “Volunteer groups make such an important contribution to their communities, often without praise for the incredible job they do. In these difficult times their efforts are even more valuable. It’s a pleasure to celebrate the achievements of WILSAR with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and give official recognition for the benefits they bring to others’ lives.”