Ripon's Community Poppy Project has been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
The award, which is equivalent to an MBE, is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive.
The group was formed in 2018 with three distinct aims: to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, to help local businesses by encouraging more visitors to the city and to bring the local community together.
Since then, the group has grown into the large voluntary team it is today, celebrating and commemorating major occasions from Remembrance to the Kings Coronation.
They were also behind creating the full-sized knitted tank displayed in the city to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Stuart Martin MBE, Chairman of the Ripon Community Poppy Project, said:
“This is truly a great honour for our group for which we are delighted to receive, but without the help and support over the years of local businesses, local groups and individuals, none of our work would have been possible.
"We want to thank the whole community of Ripon for helping to make Ripon Community Poppy Project such a success.”
Outstanding examples of voluntary work are celebrated every year through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award highlights the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK.
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and are awarded for life.

Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels


