A CHARITY which has reached out a helping hand to the homeless for more than 20 years has received royal recognition from the Queen for its volunteer work.

Nine voluntary groups from across Essex have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services - the most prestigious award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

One of the winners was Beacon House Ministries in Colchester.

The charity was set up 22 years ago to help the homeless and people in need.

Based in Crouch Street, the charity aims to build trusting relationships with people who have fallen on hard times.

Volunteers promise to listen to individual stories and offer practical help and medical care.

READ MORE: Beacon House relocate to Crouch Street after 20 years

Vivienne Wiggins, its chief executive, said: “Beacon House is delighted to have received this honour.

“It’s a welcome encouragement for the work we do with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our community.”

She added: “This award recognises our compassionate and caring approach and I hope that other can be inspired to treat all members of their community with kindness and respect”.

Other winners included Essex Search and Rescue, Grant A Smile - which provides free house cleaning for families living with terminal illness - and Hearing Help Essex.

The recipients of the award are announced each year on June 2 - the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

READ MORE: Beacon House: 'We're trying hard to be good neighbours'

Representatives of the nine winning groups attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace and will receive the award from Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, later this summer.

Mrs Tolhurst said: “The announcement of nine winners of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the highest national award for voluntary groups across Essex is a wonderful tribute to the outstanding work of the voluntary sector.

“Only one other county in the UK had more winners than Essex which speaks volumes for the excellence of volunteering in our county.

“It shows the increasing importance of the work of volunteers for community wellbeing.”

She added: “I am delighted that nine extremely deserving groups, who are providing a wide range of services to our communities have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen.

“I look forward to presenting the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services to each of the groups over the coming months and to be able to celebrate their success with their volunteers and many who receive their excellent service”.

Beacon House offered help to 617 people from 2016 through to 2017.

The charity works in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions and the Job Centre Plus to help people gain employment, recently employing two work ready coaches to help with job applications, attending interviews and opening bank accounts.