AN EAST Lothian voluntary organisation has been honoured for its dedication to the community by being handed the highest award for voluntary groups in the UK.

Home-Start East Lothian, based on Sandersons Wynd in Tranent, has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The voluntary organisation is committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of five by providing help and assistance to those who need it most.

Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Home-Start East Lothian have been awarded the extremely prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK.

“Home-Start East Lothian is a hugely admired local charity, which has for 21 years provided life-changing support to young families that need assistance.

“The impact of what the hard-working Home-Start East Lothian volunteers provide is both huge and far-reaching.

“I have been struck by how well Katy Pollock and her team run Home-Start East Lothian, and how they overcame the many obstacles that arose as a result of the Covid pandemic.

“Everyone who has been and is involved in Home-Start East Lothian can be really proud of the award of the QAVS. I would like to thank and congratulate them for all invaluable charitable assistance they provide here in East Lothian.

“Any group of two or more people doing volunteering work in the UK can be nominated for a QAVS award.”