FOUR Bolton organisations who make an “exceptional contribution” to the town have collected top awards.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, Bolton Scout Trust, Urban Outreach and Xplode Magazine were all given the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service last month.

Now they have collected their awards during a special ceremony at Gorton Monastery in Manchester led by Warren Smith, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

He said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a voluntary group and these are four very worthy recipients.

“Each one makes an exceptional contribution to their community and helps to greatly improve the lives of local people.

“For so many to give up their time for others is tremendous and this award is extremely well deserved.

“We would encourage more groups in Bolton to step forward and be recognised for the wonderful work they do.”

The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

Urban Outreach, established in 1990, is currently preparing for its annual Bolton Lunches scheme, providing packed lunches to underprivileged children during the summer holidays.

Trustee and founder Christine Bagley and long serving volunteer Jack Shuttleworth formally received the award on behalf of the charity, which counts on the support of more than 300 regular volunteers and helps vulnerable people across Bolton.

Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach, said: “To receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is a great honour.

“We are proudly Bolton focused and our commitment is to the town and its vision, especially in narrowing the gap for those in our communities that struggle and suffer the most.

“Our privilege is to do this in partnership with the many hundreds of volunteers that stand alongside us.

“This award is a testament once again to the tremendous work volunteers do in our town.

“These volunteers show how caring and compassionate the people of Bolton are.

“On their behalf we receive this award.”

Saeed Atcha, chief executive of Xplode Magazine, said he was delighted to receive the award on behalf of the magazine, which gives young people opportunities for work experience and currently has currently 27 full-time volunteers and 60 part-time volunteers.

The Bolton Mountain Rescue Team was established in 1968 and has 41 volunteers on call 24 hours a day to support the emergency services. The group actively saves lives, helping lost and injured people reach the medical care that they need.

Bolton Scout Trust bought Bibby’s Farm in 2001 and volunteers worked to acquire, develop and run the camp site. In the past year more than 5,500 young people throughout the North West and further afield have enjoyed the activities and facilities at the campsite in Chorley.