WIRRAL Wildlife - a local volunteer group of Cheshire Wildlife Trust - has been honoured with a Queen's Award for voluntary service.

The team, established to protect and champion wildlife, earned the honour in recognition of its tremendous achievements since forming 46 years ago.

It was nominated by Cheshire Wildlife Trust and judged by an independent assessment committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE.

Stephen Ross, chair of Wirral Wildlife said: "As chairman since 2004 I know that the group has built a tradition of over 40 years of service to the cause of wildlife and protection of the environment in the Wirral Peninsular.

"We are all delighted to have been honoured in this unique way and are most grateful to those who nominated us".

Sarah Bennett, from Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: "This award reflects how much Wirral Wildlife have achieved to support wildlife across the Wirral.

"The group's commitment is truly inspirational and the amount of time each volunteer gives to the work of the group is exceptional.

"Their support as volunteers is vital to the Trust's work – from their passion for encouraging others to value wildlife through to their hands-on practical work at our nature reserves".

The award was created by The Queen in 2002 to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, recognising excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is described as the MBE for volunteer groups.

Representatives from Wirral Wildlife have been invited to attend the Royal Garden Party and the group will receive an English Crystal and a signed certificate from Her Majesty The Queen.

The group, featuring volunteers of all ages and ecological experience, undertakes ecological surveys, carry out habitat management, offer wildlife advice and training and run a variety of events across the year.

As well as many local wildlife sites throughout the Wirral, the group supports conservation work and provides events at a number Cheshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves including Cleaver Heath Nature Reserve in Heswall, New Ferry Butterfly Park, and Red Rocks Marsh at Hoylake.