A Moorlands charity is set to be presented with a prestigious award for it's volunteer services

A Moorlands charity is set to be presented with a prestigious award for it's volunteer services.

The Beatrice Charity, in its 41st year, is to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The charity operates a narrow boat on the Caldon Canal, mainly taking children with special needs on adventures in the Staffordshire Moorlands – and also, out of term, it can be used by other groups, including those that benefit from its disabled facilities.

Although the Beatrice is based in Cheddleton, it serves the whole of North Staffordshire and in 2018 it made 141 trips, with 1,443 passengers including 705 children from over a dozen schools including Meadows and Springfield in Leek.

The award recognises the work of Beatrice volunteers over the years and it reflects the esteem with which the charity is held by both schools and local people.

Later this year the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire will formally present the charity with a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal.