A Wigan neighbourhood group receives the King’s award for voluntary service

A local neighbourhood group have been chosen as the recipients of a prestigious award for their hard work.

Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group, a group of volunteers based in Bamfurlong and Bryn Gates, Wigan have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2026, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE.

The group were nominated for the by Wigan Council in 2025, it is an award that recognises over a decade of community-led action, including the creation of a flagship Community Garden, Orchard, and an upgraded Play Area.

Formed in 2012 by passionate residents, none of whom are paid, to ensure the Bamfurlong and Bryn Gates area had a dedicated voice within the Wigan borough.

The group has spent more than 14 years working tirelessly to transform local green spaces, support vulnerable neighbours, and deliver vital community projects.

Over the years the group has created a community garden and orchard, implemented a defibrillator, advocated for better road safety, upgraded a play area and supported local causes and vulnerable residents.

Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group is one of 250 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty the King. 2026 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on November 14, representatives of Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group will receive the award crystal and certificate from Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire in the coming months.

In addition, two volunteers from the Group will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2027, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Norman Prior, Chair of Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. When we started the group back in 2012, our goal was simple: to make sure Bamfurlong and Bryn Gates were heard, supported, and make our villages a better place to live.”

“It is a very proud day for all of us involved with Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group. Receiving this award will serve to spur us on to do more great and necessary work for the area and the people who live here. Our plans for the future are very exciting too!”

Former Councillor Eunice Smethurst, who served the Abram Ward for 30 years, and who has been heavily involved with Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group said: “I am absolutely delighted that Bamfurlong and Bryn Gates Neighbourhood Group have been awarded the Kings Award.

This award is well deserved as the group works so hard providing events for all ages in the village. The area looks so clean and all this because of local people helping. A big thank you should go to Norman Prior, Chair of Bamfurlong Neighbourhood Group, whose enthusiasm and drive has made such a difference. It is so nice to see everyone’s hard work for the village recognised”.