A BIG-HEARTED outdoor education charity says it is “thrilled” after being given one of the country’s top awards.

The Abberton Rural Training charity is a trust which provides education and training using nature and the environment to disadvantaged groups across Essex and surrounding areas.

But now the charity has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The charity has 70 volunteers who are involved with its work and assist with projects.

These include a variety of gardening, woodlands, countryside and environment projects as well as rural crafts and the charity’s standout Stay at Home, Grow Your Own project.

The latter alone reached more than 1,250 households across seven districts last year.

The charity also works extensively with Colchester Garrison with a programme for wounded and injured service personnel and veterans.

The project gives opportunity, help and support for people being medically retired from service.

Chief executive officer Jacqui Stone said: “Being awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service is incredible.

“Our volunteers work so hard and we truly couldn’t manage without them from assisting participants, providing a much-needed ear, being a trustee, helping with strategy, events, marketing and logistics – physically sorting and delivering resources particularly with our Stay At Home Grow Your Own project which made such a difference to so many families during Covid.

“This award shows all concerned that they are valuable, appreciated and recognised for the incredible difference they make.

“I am so proud of all of the team involved. They truly change and save lives.”

Anne Brown, the charity’s chairwoman of trustees added: “We are delighted to receive this award.

“The last year has been a steep learning curve for our volunteers, who responded to the challenge with commitment and kindness.”

The charity, which is based in Wormingford, continues to go from strength to strength with services expanding across Essex including new programmes starting soon.