Litter picking group receives 'MBE for charities'

A Surrey litter picking group has been presented with an "MBE for charities" to mark its work to keep the community clean.

Spelthorne Litter Pickers was formed in 2020 with the aim of keeping the borough clean through volunteer events across the region.

The group has now been honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK.

Shirley Lunn, co-founder of the group, said receiving the award was "really special" and had spurred them on to continue their work.

She added: "The group has really made a difference. I think everyone is really delighted that we have been recognised even though what we do is not glamorous.

"Receiving the award was absolutely amazing. It was a really big achievement and everybody feels it."

Formed during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Lunn added that the group now includes volunteers ranging from five years old to 85.

The group carries out a monthly litter pick across the area as well as encouraging volunteers to do their own work in their own time.

She added that, since forming, the group has led efforts to clean up Spelthorne, including getting a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the area to tackle littered nitrous oxide canisters.

Litter pickers from the group collected the award at a ceremony at Spelthorne Borough Council on Tuesday, 15 April.

The award was first created in 2002 as the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.

The King's Award is equivalent to an MBE for charities.

His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Michael More-Molyneux, who presented the award, said: "It was a pleasure to present this award to the Spelthorne Litter Pickers.

"They carry out fantastic voluntary work in Spelthorne and fully deserve our thanks and the recognition that comes with this award."

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