A County Durham youth club has been left "delighted" after being awarded The King's Award for voluntary service - equivalent to an MBE.

The highest award possible for a voluntary group has been bestowed upon Oxhill Youth Club in Stanley by his Majesty King Charles III. 

The club was one of nearly 300 organisations across the country that have been given the honour, with the full list being announced on November 14.

The award, which was initially established in 2002 under Queen Elizabeth II, recognises organisations that make a real difference in their communities.

Other winners this year include a mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire and a group preserving a historic 12th century castle in south Wales. 

Joanne Charlton and Kyle Stafford, Youth Workers at Oxhill Youth Club, said: "We are extremely delighted that our group's work has been recognised.

"Oxhill Youth Club has been supporting children and young people from all over the North East for 62 years.

"We provide a safe space for children and young people to come and be themselves, have a voice and be listened to and learn new skills.

"Without our dedicated volunteers who give up their time and all the hard work they do, we would not be where we are today."

Following the news, staff, volunteers, and attendees gathered on Thursday to celebrate the news - with a delightful picture showing them all raising a toast.

Representatives of Oxhill Youth Club will receive the award crystal and certificate from Sue Snowdon Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham and two volunteers from Oxhill Youth Club will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2025, along with other recipients of this year's award.

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Mrs Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, added: "I am absolutely delighted that Oxhill Youth Club has received this really important recognition from His Majesty The King.

"Oxhill is an inclusive, safe space for children and young people where they learn new skills, develop their self-confidence and contribute to their community.

"It is a richly-deserved award and I am thrilled to offer Oxhill Youth Club my warmest congratulations."