Royal seal of approval

TOP accolade . . . the Lord Lieutenant Warren Smith presents the Queen’s Award to project manager Jean Martin with (from the left) Veronica Harrison, Cathy Morse, Barbara Stone, Doreen French, Edna Banks, Jack Iveson, Sonia Chapman and Irene Porter

VOLUNTEERS who run a luncheon club in Failsworth have received the royal seal of approval.

They have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest accolade for voluntary groups in the UK.

Broadbent Luncheon Club was set up in 1966 after local business man Marcus Broadbent donated the money for a building in Lord Lane.

It is run by WRVS members who serve meals three times a week to pensioners and also hold craft sessions.

The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, yesterday presented a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative crystal to project manager Jean Martin.

More than 750 groups have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service since it was established in 2002. Recipients are recommended by a panel of independent experts.