A FERRYHILL couple travel to Buckingham Palace today to be presented with an award for their outstanding community work.

David and Rita Foster, of the Ferryhill Town Youth Group, will receive the honour from the Queen and Prince Philip at a presentation in London.

The new annual Queen's Golden Jubilee Awards are being presented for the first time today -the 50th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

Mr and Mrs Foster started the football club 12 years ago, with the help of Stephen 'Gus' Hopper.

Starting with one team, the group's popularity is so much in demand that next season there will be five, ranging from under-tens to under-14s teams.

The couple also run a Monday night youth club at Dean Bank Community Centre, which continues to grow in popularity.

Mr Foster, whose role became more administrative after he suffered a brain haemorrhage in 1996, said he and his wife were delighted and amazed to receive the honour.

He said: "We are over the moon. It is me and Rita who are getting the award, but it is not just for us, it is for the community and everybody who has helped since we started the football team 12 years ago."

Mr and Mrs Taylor have been supported by Community And Voluntary Organisations Sedgefield, and Sedgefield Borough Volunteer Bureau.

Sharon Vasey, volunteer bureau co-ordinator, said: "We were delighted to hear that David and Rita had received this award for the dedication they have shown over the years.

"We are particularly pleased that volunteering is receiving the recognition it deserves. This is volunteering at its best; people overcoming personal difficulties and giving their time freely to help others in their community."

The couple have also been nominated for Volunteer of the Year at the bureau's awards evening on Thursday.