VOLUNTEERS and trustees from Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise (CJCE) gathered at the Royal Hotel on Friday for a special presentation.

The charity formally received their Queen’s award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) from Ayrshire and Arran Lord Lieutenant Sheriff Iona McDonald.

CJCE – which was formed in 2013 – became one of the first in East Ayrshire to be awarded the QAVS when they found out in June this year.

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.

There are now 1,200 regular weekly participants in football, rugby, netball, all-ability cycling and school sport.

CJCE holds the Scottish Football Association Legacy Quality Mark – the highest award in the programme – and is a Disability Inclusive club.

This was the first year in which groups from East Ayrshire received QAVS and when they found out, Eric Bennett, a trustee of CJCE, said: “We are delighted to have our organisation and volunteers recognised by receiving the QAVS.

In the last year, we’ve had over 52,000 visits to Townhead Community Sports Hub to participate in a range of activities.

“We are proud of the inclusive community we have created through sport at Townhead Park, Cumnock.”