A CHARITY has been highly commended for its voluntary work in improving people's lives through sport and physical activity.

Sport in Mind, a Berkshire charity which formed in 2010 has received the highest award in the UK for voluntary service.

The charity received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service which recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups who benefit their local communities.

Neil Harris, Sport in Mind's founder, said: "Sport in Mind are delighted to be awarded with this prestigious honour.

"It is fantastic recognition for all the amazing work our dedicated volunteers and coaches commit to the charity each week."

Represented from Sport in Mind attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May along with other recipients of this year's award.

Despite being a local charity, the organisation is a leading example in delivering activities to improve people's mental health.

The charity works in partnership with the NHS in order to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, combat social isolation and empower people to move forward with their lives.

Neil added: "Without their brilliant support over the last nine years, the charity would not have been able to support the recovery of over 10,000 local people - thank you to everyone who has supported us."

There are 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups up for receiving awards this year and the number of awards has increased since it was first introduced in 2002.

Representatives of Sport in Mind will receive the award from James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire later this summer.