Ely s Helping Hands Gardening Group is celebrating after picking up the Queen s Award for Voluntary Service. The team, nominated by former Ely Mayor Cllr. John Ison, won the award for its work carried out for the elderly, disadvantaged and disabled across

Ely's Helping Hands Gardening Group is celebrating after picking up the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The team, nominated by former Ely Mayor Cllr. John Ison, won the award for its work carried out for the elderly, disadvantaged and disabled across the area and its team effort for Ely in Bloom. Now the group's supervisor Steve Twigden will attend the Queen's Garden Party in July. A certificate and a piece of engraved crystal will be presented to the group by Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Hugh Duberly, at a volunteers' garden party. Avril Hayter Smith, manager of the newly-formed Voluntary and Community Action East Cambs, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the gardening team has won this prestigious award. It also means that we can proudly display the award logo, a crown with the words 'unsung heroes' on our stationery and advertising and on our mini bus.