IT was an honour to be present at Gorton Monastery, Manchester, last week when the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was presented to 22 North-west organisations.

I was there with Fortalice, Bolton’s refuge for women and children escaping domestic abuse, and was very proud when Gill Smallwood and Ken Moores collected the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith.

There were some remarkable individuals and groups present and inspirational tales of charitable activities. It just underlined not only the value of such groups but also the rich seam of genuine caring that runs through communities like ours.