A Swannington voluntary group is among six in Leicestershire that have been honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

This is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Leicestershire's winners are a diverse mix of voluntary groups from across a number of charitable sectors, and were all nominated by the public of Leicester and Leicestershire.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service holds the same value as an MBE and acknowledges the remarkable efforts of volunteer groups in their communities.

Swannington Heritage Trust has been rewarded for its efforts in transforming and preserving five industrial sites, including the Hough Mill, a restored 1790s corn mill.

The Trust has also been recognised for its work in researching and archiving records and artifacts for future generations to learn about Leicester's history.

The other recipients are:

103TheEye is a community-run radio station which broadcasts 24/7 for Melton Mowbray.

It is entirely volunteer-run and is a pioneer in the community radio space.

The station also runs training programmes for young people to learn about radio broadcasting.  

Heartwize, based in Leicester, has been recognised for its efforts in increasing public awareness of the problem of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

It also provides free CPR training programmes to businesses, schools and in the community, to ensure people have knowledge of CPR and use of AED (Automated External Defibrillators).

Two groups from the Bosworth area were successful in this year's awards. Bosworth In Bloom provides stunning floral displays each year, while maintaining a respect for the local environment. 

Market Bosworth Community Library is a community hub, library services, resources & activities to benefit the surrounding rural community.

Shree Jalaram Prarthana Mandal-Jalaram Mandir and Jalaram Community Centre Leicester have also received recognition for their efforts in supporting the local community through an incredible breadth of initiatives, from helping the homeless, raising money for other charities, and distributing food to those in need.

Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE, said: Mr Kapur said: "I am delighted that in the inaugural year of the King's Awards for Voluntary Service, so many of Leicestershire's wonderful voluntary groups have received the recognition they deserve.

"This award is a fitting tribute to their compassion, dedication, and selflessness in helping others. I am eagerly looking forward to presenting the awards and meeting the volunteers who dedicate their time to others."

Leicestershire's winners are among 262 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups from across the UK and Channel Islands to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.

Representatives of the winning groups will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mr Mike Kapur OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire later this year.

Furthermore, two volunteers from each group will be invited attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year's Award.