A COMMUNITY centre and nursery has been honoured by royalty for its commitment.

Higher Folds Community Centre in Leigh has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services after being nominated by an anonymous service user.

The Stirling Close facility helps residents of all ages to develop skills.

Centre manager David Rainford said: “We’re not just a community centre, we’re a community anchor in the heart of the Higher Folds estate and we’re proud of the breadth of services we provide to help local people.

“From parenting classes to art groups for the elderly, we’re committed to providing guidance and opportunities for a range of ages.

“We successfully tackle social isolation of families needing support, provide a safe space for young people to meet and help children get ready for nursery and school.

"Considering the multitude of services we offer, this award is a welcome recognition of all our hard work over the last 20 years.”

Volunteers at the centre attended a royal garden party this year to reward them for their commitment to helping the community.

David added: “It’s a great compliment to have been given this award and the opportunity to go to the garden party.

"We wouldn’t be this successful without our volunteers so it’s a real testament to what they do.”

Four groups from the borough were recognised by the Queen's award.

Fur Clemt, Leigh Film Society CIC and Wigan, Wrightington and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Volunteers were the other three groups that were recognised.

As a region, Greater Manchester has the highest number of awarded groups in the country.

The centre has also received money from Wigan Council’s Deal for Communities Investment Fund and the BIG Lottery Fund to help to deliver services.

Cllr Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities at the council, said: “As part of The Deal, we’re committed to working with communities and groups to help them deliver fantastic services that are so valuable to local people.

“There’s a real family feel about Wigan Borough, everybody wants to do what they can to help others and this award is proof of that ethos.

“Higher Folds Community Centre and other groups in the borough who have been honoured with this award should be extremely proud and we hope it spurs them on to continue their amazing work into the future.

“We know there are so many capable groups out there but there are also a number of people who might need a little boost to get them going.

"That’s why we set up The Deal for Communities Investment Fund. We want to help group’s kick-start a journey that can transform lives.”

Staff members will be presented with a trophy at Gorton Monastry in August.