Warwickshire Search and Rescue is one of three local organisations to have been presented with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) by Warwickshire's Lord Lieutenant​ this month.

On Saturday 6 January, the Tim Cox met with the team to formally present their organisation with a KAVS.

The presentation happened at the team's new Headquarters building at Stoneleigh near Kenilworth.

The charity is one of 36 operational Lowland Rescue teams across the UK, and their mission is to search for vulnerable and high-risk missing persons across the county.

KAVS is the highest award a local voluntary group can achieve in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

It aims to recognise the outstanding work delivered by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was originally created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee and is now announced each year on King Charles III's birthday.

Ian Malins, chair of Warwickshire Search and Rescue, said: "I'm delighted that our team of highly trained volunteers has been recognised by being awarded the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

"Due to the confidential nature of the work we do, supporting vulnerable people in their time of personal crisis, many people are unaware of what we do.

"Members of the team put in a lot of hard work, time, and commitment in supporting the police and fire service with missing person searches.

"Their dedication to being available 24/7, searching in all weathers when needed, as well as the many hours spent training and fundraising for the team is inspirational. I'm proud to be a member of the team that is truly professional in all but pay."  

On Friday 26 January Mr Cox also met with the CEO of Helping Hands Community Project, Lianne Kirkman, at the charity's office in Leamington Spa to formally present the charity with its KAVS.

The charity, based in Leamington Spa, extends a compassionate hand to those affected by the causes and effects of homelessness including vulnerability in housing, domestic abuse, addiction, isolation, mental health challenges, and poverty.

Julie de Bastion, who set-up Own Books ten years ago to help children of all ages and backgrounds have access to free books at home, was formally presented with her charity's KAVS on Wednesday 17 January. She was accompanied by family and friends at a formal presentation which took place at The Judges' House in Warwick.

The remaining Warwickshire organisations announced as KAVS recipients for 2023 – Rugby Autism Network, The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, and Veterans Contact Point – will all be formally presented with their KAVS by Warwickshire's Lord Lieutenant later this year.

Mr Cox said "It has been a pleasure to meet with three Warwickshire charities this month to present each of them with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

"They have all generously dedicated their time to help make Warwickshire a better and more compassionate place, and it is great to see their incredible efforts celebrated in this way.

"The Warwickshire Lieutenancy are always on the lookout for voluntary organisations and charities that deserve to be recognised for their selfless commitments in supporting Warwickshire, and I encourage you to consider nominating them for honours or awards this year so they too can get the recognition they deserve."