CUMNOCK Juniors Community Enterprise (CJCE) have picked up a prestigious voluntary award.

The charity, which was formed in 2013, have become one of the first in East Ayrshire to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

Created in 2002, QAVS recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups in their own communities.

At present, there are over 60 CJCE volunteers, including parents, senior school pupils and members of the local community who give up their free time to deliver a range of programmes.

Eric Bennett, a trustee of CJCE, said: “We are delighted to have our organisation and volunteers recognised by receiving The Queens Award for Voluntary Service. In the last year, we’ve had over 52,000 visits to Townhead Community Sports Hub to participate in a range of activities.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the fantastic volunteers who undertake a variety of roles such as football coaching, Committee work, team administration or doing maintenance tasks. We are proud of the inclusive community we have created through sport at Townhead Park Cumnock”

Sheriff Iona McDonald, Lord-Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran added: “This is the first year that groups in East Ayrshire have been awarded the QAVS and it is testimony to the hard work that the members of the group carry out to promote sport, exercise and healthy living.

“They have done so much in such a short time and I am looking forward to meeting the group when I formally present the Award”