THE charitable organisation behind the popular Northumberland County Show has been honoured with a Queen's Award.

Tynedale Agricultural Society received the award for its voluntary service.

The Queen’s Award is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. The county show attracts over 20,000 visitors annually to its 90 acre site in the grounds of Bywell Hall, near Stocksfield, and has been a highlight for farmers, equestrians, competitors and the general public for over 170 years.

Despite its huge scale, the event operates thanks to an army of over 60 volunteers and relies on the assistance of local groups.

Tynedale Agricultural Society is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The society donates surplus revenue to other local charities and funds up to five annual bursaries for local young people studying agriculture or land based courses, as well as acting as an information hub for other local shows.

Society representatives will receive the award from The Duchess of Northumberland later this summer and two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021.

Former president Harry Mole was instrumental in attaining the award and said: “I am delighted the society has been recognised in this way. It is a fitting tribute to the hard work and commitment of so many and I am incredibly proud to be part of such a thriving and vibrant community, without whom the show would not be possible.”