VOLUNTARY groups in the borough have been recognised for their service to the community.

Neon Hub on Holt Street in Oldham, which offers space for causes to meet up, has been presented with a MBE for voluntary groups accolade in the The Queen’s Awards.

The Saddleworth and Oldham group, Whit Friday Band Contests, has also been given the same award, the highest honour a voluntary group can receive.

Chair of trustees at Neon, David Wilkinson, is delighted with the recognition after the struggles of the pandemic.

He said: “These last 12 months have been a nightmare and we came so close to folding. We have tried to stay open as much as possible and were able to have mental health group sessions under the Covid rules.

“We have been established since 2013 and became a charity in 2015. This award is for everyone at Neon who volunteers their time and for all the organisations who use the hub.”

Neon was also given an award for its efforts during the crisis when it has worked with a foodbank among its other many efforts to help residents in need.

The Whit Friday Band Contests, which has 300 volunteers, holds events at 11 venues every year.

Group co-ordinator Bob Rodgers said: “Although contests have been in existence for 137 years, this group has functioned since 1993 and we are honoured and obviously delighted to have been successfully nominated for this award.

“The work that is undertaken to provide the ‘greatest free show on earth’ is a 12-month rolling programme.

“We are indebted to Oldham Council for the infrastructure and advice they provide that only those involved in the running are aware of and the financial support through the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, not to mention the numerous businesses who sponsor the individual contests.

“The group was told it was being nominated for the award in autumn 2019. It is ironic that since then we have been unable to function for the last two years through restrictions imposed by Covid.” However, we are all looking forward to continuing with this great show in 2022, when hopefully all our banding activity will be back to normal.”

The groups will receive their awards crystals and certificates signed by Her Majesty the Queen from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sir Warren Smith, later this year.