THE QUEEN has honoured former Bury College students with the highest voluntary award given.

Participants in the Xplode Magazine project, who work across the UK assisting 12 to 22 year olds with their employability skills, were given the Queen’s Award for voluntary service.

Established in 2011 by Bury College students Saeed Atcha and Mithun Kerai, Xplode’s unique model of being created by and for young people has seen them go from strength to strength.

They give young people the opportunity to showcase their writing and design abilities whilst improving their employability skills. They also offer nationwide training programmes on peer-to-peer basis.

This UK honour is an MBE for groups who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

The award recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

Speaking of their success, chief executive Saeed Atcha said: “We are incredibly delighted to receive this award, especially in Her Majesty’s 90th year. The fact that we’ve got an award the equivalent of an MBE is a great way to celebrate how we’ve helped over 2,000 young people since 2011. It’s just spectacular to have our work recognised at such a high level.”

Volunteers from the team were invited to a garden party last month with the Queen to celebrate their success.

They will receive a special certificate and a commemorative crystal at a ceremony held by Greater Manchester’s Lord Lieutenant in the summer.

Deputy principal of Bury College Sandra Morton was delighted with Saeed’s and Mithun’s success: “At Bury College we are really proud to encourage students to pursue their dream careers. Saeed and Mithun have demonstrated not only a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit but also a commitment to support other talented young people in their local community. I am delighted that their outstanding voluntary contributions are being recognised.”