A charity that helps rough sleepers has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Guests and volunteers past and present gathered at The Bus Shelter Dorset’s static site in Mercery Road, Weymouth, for the ceremony.

Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, presented the crystal award and certificate.

He said: “The Bus Shelter Dorset and its volunteers have done an enormous amount for rough sleepers and those in trouble in the area.

“Before its inception, people were falling through the cracks of provision.

“There was a considerable problem of vulnerable individuals sleeping rough and on the street in Weymouth and Portland.

“Emily [McCarron, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer] and her group of volunteers had a good idea and it’s grown like topsy since it came to fruition.

“The Bus Shelter Dorset is now a terrific asset to Dorset and particularly, Weymouth and Portland.

“An area that contains ten of the 11 most deprived areas in Dorset.

“This award is one of the last Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, it was awarded during her reign.

“But, from now on, these awards will be called the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“I recommended The Bus Shelter Dorset for this award because it has done so much for its guests and the difference it has made is clear to see.

“They have rescued vulnerable people off the streets and set them on a path to a positive future of productive happiness.

“I hope this award goes some way to show them how much of a difference they have made in this community.”

Emily said: “Without our volunteers The Bus Shelter Dorset would not be where it is today.

“I am truly grateful to each and every one who has shared our vision and supported the charity and our guests by gifting their precious time, skills and knowledge in so many ways over the years.

“Our staff and volunteers go above and beyond to provide compassionate care and support to our guests.

“The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services is a well-deserved recognition of their invaluable contributions and the significance of their role in our community.”

Equivalent to an MBE, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

It is the highest and most prestigious award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.