PEOPLE across Suffolk are being encouraged to help recognise the county's unsung heroes as nominations open for The King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK and is often described as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations.

Nominations for the 2027 awards open today (1 September) and remain open until 1 December.

The award recognises volunteer-led groups that make an exceptional difference to their communities. Successful organisations receive a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and are invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.

Across Suffolk, previous recipients have included organisations supporting literacy, tackling food poverty, helping homeless people, promoting health and wellbeing and strengthening local communities.

Mark Pendlington, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk

Mark Pendlington, Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, said: "One thing has already become abundantly clear to me: Suffolk would simply not be the county it is without our thousands of charities and army of willing volunteers.

"Every day, across our towns, villages and communities, volunteers quietly, without fuss, make a difference. They run sports clubs and youth groups, support older people, help preserve our heritage, protect our environment, raise funds for local causes and provide practical support to those facing challenging circumstances."

"The King's Award for Voluntary Service gives us a wonderful opportunity to recognise those groups that go above and beyond for their communities. Suffolk has a strong and proud record of success, but I am certain there are many more groups across our wonderful county deserving of national recognition."

"The Suffolk Lieutenancy Office stands ready to help throughout the nomination process and I warmly encourage anyone thinking of nominating a deserving organisation to get in touch."

Volunteer groups cannot nominate themselves and nominations must be made by someone independent of the organisation.

To support potential nominators, the Suffolk Lieutenancy Office is offering free guidance throughout the process, including help with completing the online nomination form and understanding what is required.

Anyone interested in submitting a nomination, or seeking advice before doing so, can contact the Suffolk Lieutenancy Office via email [email protected]