The voluntary group which saved, and now runs, Humshaugh Village Shop has been honoured with the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, awarded to the group, is the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary services.

Humshaugh Shop was threatened with closure after its post office shut down in 2009.

Humshaugh Community Ventures Limited was formed to take over and now a 40-strong team manages and staffs the shop seven days a week.

The profits are used to fund projects in the village by giving grants to groups and individuals.

The team also initiates its own projects, such as a village handbook, bread making, apple pressing and bee keeping.

One of the directors, Steve Robins, attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month with his wife Marilyn, along with other recipients of the award.

Humshaugh Village Shop is one of 193 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

Humshaugh Village Shop will receive its award from the Duchess of Northumberland and Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Jane Percy, at a party at Alnwick Garden later this month.

Chairman of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee, former broadcast journalist Sir Martyn Lewis, said: “I warmly congratulate all of the inspirational voluntary groups who have been rewarded for their community work.

“The judging panel for this year’s awards were struck by the quality and breadth of all the successful groups.

“The thousands of volunteers who give up their spare time to help others in the community demonstrates the very best of democracy in the area.”

Minister for civil society Rob Wilson said: “I would like to congratulate all the groups for their fantastic achievements.

“The huge amount of work and commitment these groups put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.

“I hope these groups continue to inspire others to make a positive impact so we can continue to build a more compassionate society.”

Chairman of the shop’s directors Dick Moules said: “I am thrilled that Humshaugh Village Shop’s volunteers have been honoured in this way. It recognises the commitment of all who help make the shop thrive.

“As the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary services, it is the pinnacle of the many awards we have received in the last six years.”

bridget.mcclean@hexham-corant.co.uk