A HOMELESS charity has been presented with the prestigious Queen’s Award for voluntary service.

The Wycombe Homeless Connection was the only Buckinghamshire charity to receive the accolade in last week’s announcement from Buckingham Palace.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises the work carried out by organisations that have a workforce predominantly made up by volunteers.

Sheena Dykes, chair of the connection’s trustees, says: “I am absolutely delighted that Wycombe Homeless Connection has been granted The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“What an acknowledgement for all that our volunteers and staff have achieved since we started helping homeless people in 2008.”

The Castle Street-based charity has around 300 volunteers who staff the weekday drop-in centre and night shelter, as well as various administrative and fundraising roles. Volunteers contribute over 15,000 man hours each year.

The official citation praises WHC for “helping individuals to escape from homelessness and rebuild their lives, by offering resettlement advice and support, and by running the Wycombe Winter Night Shelter”.

The charity was nominated by Bill Reid, Town Clerk of High Wycombe, and inspected by Countess Howe, Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.

The charity was also named Community Group of the Year at the Wycombe District Council’s Community Champions Awards last year.

For more information about WHC, visit www.wyhoc.org.uk.