The Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team is among five organisations in Wales to receive The Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service (QAVS), it has been announced.

The accolade is the highest award given to local volunteer groups, and was awarded to five organisations across Wales today in recognition of their outstanding community service.

The Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team provide a mountain rescue service to local people and visitors, as well as education talks to schools, youth groups and the public.

The team operates in the Brecon Beacons National Park incorporating Pen-y-Fan, the highest point in southern Britain, as well as the waterfalls of Ystradfellte, and Cardiff, Caerphilly and Newport. They have been supporting the communities of Mid and South Wales since 1963.

Crucially, the team rely on donations from members of the public to carry out their essential life-saving rescue service.

This year 244 winners from across the UK will receive The Queen’s Award, highlighting the continued breadth and depth of voluntary service undertaken each and every day across the United Kingdom.

Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will receive the prestigious award for their volunteer-led work they have done across a wide range of fields including mental health, youth, community, arts and heritage.

The awardees have all carried out critical work to enhance the lives of others with the highest number of awards this year going to the community support sector which includes food banks, village shops, community events and men’s sheds.

Minister for Civil Society and Youth Nigel Huddleston said:

“Thousands of volunteers in Wales give up their time every year and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises their kindness.

“People’s selfless generosity represents the best of the country and it is right that some of the most impactful groups and individuals have their tireless work recognised.

“The awards are particularly notable in this special year of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Sir Martyn Lewis, QAVS Chair said:

“I warmly congratulate all the outstanding voluntary groups who have been rewarded with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year. The level of commitment and innovation shown by these volunteers is truly impressive. We owe a debt of gratitude to them, and the countless others who give up their free time regularly to improve the lives of others in their community.”

Empowering others is also an area well represented in this year’s Queen’s Award with confidence building, training opportunities, educational support, and sports all being highly recognised. Volunteers working in hospices, cancer support, long-term illness, search and rescue and first aid also feature prominently.

Coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises that volunteers continue to provide a vital social function and continue to improve access to services across the country.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:

“Wales has a long-standing tradition of volunteers who put considerable time and passion into making their communities better for everyone. I’m so delighted that these efforts have been recognised by this prestigious award.

I’d like to congratulate the winners and take this opportunity to thank them for all that they do. Volunteers really do make a difference to our lives and we’re lucky that we have so many fantastic individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of others and contribute so much to our Nation”.

The four other organisations in Wales that will receive The Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service are: