A VOLUNTEER run charity has been recognised for its vital service for the first time since it launched in 1981.

The chairman of the SERV OBN Blood Bikes feels "humbled" to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service on Tuesday, June 2.

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Volunteers will ride on Blood Bikes delivering blood products, samples, medication and human donor milk to local NHS hospitals such as Frimley Park, Heatherwood Hospital and Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Kamran Irani, chairman of SERV OBN, said: “This is a great honour, we are very proud and humbled by this fabulous award which is a testament and recognition of the great work done by our members in helping the NHS hospitals in our communities in all weathers and at all times of the day and night.”

SERV OBN Blood Bikes is run by a group of volunteers operating in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

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The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's coronation and essentially, it is the MBE for volunteer groups.

SERV OBN Blood Bikes is a completely free of charge service, allowing the NHS to divert funds where they are needed most. It has saved many lives and receives no government funding.

Costs are met by donations from members of the public and corporate sponsorships.