The Hope Cove Life Boat team have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Initially introduced in 2002 to mark Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, it represents the highest award made to a group or organisation for voluntary work in a community.

The award is made annually throughout the country and this year there were five groups from Devon, including The Hope Cove Life Boat, that received the recognition.

Representatives from the trustees, crew and helpers attended a ceremony hosted by The Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, in Plymouth earlier this week. They received an engraved glass crystal memento, and a Scroll of Honour to mark their achievement.

Chairman of Hope Cove Life Boat, Graham Phillips, said: “There are 15 trustees of the boat, 22 crew members and well over a dozen others who do so much on a regular basis to organise, market, and operate the boat throughout the year.

“This award is a tribute to the tireless efforts of this group of over 50 people, not to mention the many others who support us with their generosity.”

Senior Coxswain, Paul Pedrick was thrilled with the recognition, saying: “Morale and enthusiasm amongst the crew is always high, but this recognition has given us a real boost.

“We enjoy what we do, and you can be assured that we will continue to provide the first rate service we have become known for.”

Merchandise and Marketing Officer, Sue Illingworth felt that this award was tribute to the masses who support the boat in both a tangible and a financial way. She said: “So many people here and further afield ‘do their bit’ to help the Life Boat and they too are to be congratulated as part of the group, for their part in winning this award.”

The scroll of Honour and the Glass Crystal can be viewed in the display case at the Boats ‘unofficial headquarters’ in The Hope and Anchor Inn, Hope Cove.