A Wirral youth club's 'outstanding' work in the community has been recognised with a prestigious honour.
Shaftesbury Youth Club in Birkenhead was presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Services by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, during a ceremony earlier this week.
It is one of five Wirral charities awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service for 2025.
Described as equivalent to an MBE, the honour was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
The King’s Award recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their community.
Debbie Davies, who has been involved with Shaftesbury Youth Club for the past 30 years, received the King’s Award for Voluntary Services by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell on behalf of the club (Image: Barry Eaton)
"Shaftes" was established in 1886, making it the second oldest youth club in the United Kingdom.
The Club is situated next to Tranmere Rovers and has a strong link with football, hosting some 23 football teams of all ages.
The Club has now developed a community hub and volunteers are the mainstay of both activities.
Janice Monty, chief executive of Shaftesbury Youth Club said: "It is difficult to express how proud I am of the formidable force of volunteers we have here at Shaftes.
"Each one of them gives their time freely and altruistically for the same purpose: to make a difference."
