THE search is on to find Basingstoke and Deane’s first ever recipient of a Royal award.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service has never been awarded to a group based in Basingstoke and Deane in the 14 years it has been awarded.

The award is the highest which can be bestowed on local voluntary groups across the UK and is likened to the MBE for voluntary groups.

Around 1,500 awards have been presented since the ward was first presented in 2003 but none of these have been awarded to Basingstoke and Deane-based groups.

However, Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) is determined to make sure this run comes to an end.

Kevin Laing, from BVA, said: “We were quite shocked to find we did not have one [an award winner]. We thought we did but it turns out we don’t.

“There are very few that have been awarded in Hampshire as a whole really.

“We think this needs to be changed as there are some many cracking organisations in Basingstoke. There are groups of all sizes here doing an awful lot of good work.”

Nominations can be made by anyone aware of the group, including people who benefit from the group’s activities. However, they need to be independent so nominations from staff members or volunteers of the group will not not accepted.

Nominations need to be made by midnight on September 15.

Winning groups are announced in the London Gazette on June 2 each year, the anniversary of the coronation of The Queen.

For more information on the award and how to nominate a group, go to https://qavs.direct.gov.uk.

On average, one award is given per three nominations.

Winners receive a certificate signed by The Queen and a domed glass crystal.

The volunteer group’s representatives may also be invited to attend a royal garden party by The Queen If you would like to nominate a group and would like help with completing the nomination form, BVA is offering its services. Call 01256 423816 or email admin@bvaction.org.uk.

BVA is looking to monitor nominations made on behalf of groups based the borough so has also asked if anyone makes any nominations for Basingstoke and Deane-based groups, then to also contact the BVA on the details above.