VOLUNTEERS at Claire House Children's Hospice have been recognised for their 'outstanding' work with a prestigious Royal honour.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK and is the equivalent of an MBE.

Brenda White, head of people services at Claire House, said: "Without volunteers Claire House simply wouldn't survive.

"I know that every single one of our volunteers, whatever their role, has helped to make a significant difference to the children and families that we support.

"This prestigious award belongs to all of our marvellous volunteers, both past and present, who have supported Claire House and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

The Hospice will receive its award from the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside later this summer.

Representatives from the charity were also invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and other winners of this year's award.

Mark Blundell, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, said: "I would like to congratulate all of the inspirational volunteers at Claire House Children's Hospice.

"I am delighted to announce that they have been rewarded for their fantastic and much appreciated work with a Queen's Award for voluntary service.

"The charity has a team of hundreds of volunteers who deserve to be recognised for the valuable work they do to help support the children and families the charity cares for."