A RENTON voluntary group who work in the community to help support children and families affected by autism has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Vale of Leven Autism and Aspergers Forum, who have run the west of scotland autism and aspergers centre for five years, provide weekly parental support meetings, youth clubs, monthly sibling support and outings for the children, as well as providing third party training to parents.

The Station Road centre has been closed for four months for refurbishment, but the group held their grand opening on Saturday night to relaunch and celebrate their award win.

A fun-filled night was had by all and the children and volunteers enjoyed the new-look centre which is a life-line for many in the community.

Volunteer Sandy Meikle told the Reporter his family “depends” on the place as he takes his three children to the centre.

He said: “We take all our children here to make friends, play and relax in an environment where we don't feel awkward when our kids have a meltdown, it's a place where nobody stares or judges because we all know what each parent goes through.

“I am so happy about the award because it shows how much effort each and every member has put into making the charity a success from the very start until now. It's great to get such high profile recognition.”

As part of the award win, Nina Chapman, chairperson and Paula McDermid, a founding member, were invited to attend The Patrons Lunch on the Mall in London on Sunday.

The pair will also be attending the Queens garden party next year where they will meet the Queen and other award winners.

Ms Chapman said “We are honoured and it is fantastic to know that we have been recognised for the work we do with the amazing families we support.

“Our committee and members could never have dreamed of how far we have come and the recognition we have received in the past five years and hopefully many years to come.

“Our committee, past and present, works extremely hard to continue to provide the services we do and I am very proud of them.”

The Vale of Leven Autism and Aspergers Forum is one of 193 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The award is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities. The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.