Two Bury organisations have been awarded the "MBE for volunteer groups" today for their work in the community.

D-CaFF cafe, run by Greenmount Village Community, and Eagles Wing, based at St John & St Mark Church, each received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for their work in Bury.

The cafe is run by volunteers who are seeking to change thinking about dementia and those living with it in local communities.

They look to increase awareness and deliver sustainable support to those living with dementia helping Bury become one of the highest rated "Dementia Friends boroughs", creating a safe environment for people.

Eagles Wing acts as a mutual support group for asylum seekers, refugees, and local people, holding drop-in sessions across Bury. With no paid staff, the group has been welcoming and supporting people coming to the borough since 2005.

Volunteers themselves plan and run social activities each week, including English classes, dancing groups for women and children, and a parents support group.

Sue Arnall, honorary treasurer, said: "We are delighted that our group’s work has been recognised, and we want to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of our volunteers, many of whom are refugees and asylum seekers themselves, but work hard to support each other and help the most needy in our community.

"There are people from every corner of the world and our good work is because of the group not any individual. Everybody has something to offer. It's a wonderful network of people all there to help each other."

Lord-Lieutenant, Sir Warren Smith, said: "This is a rare honour. It is not won easily and it recognises real achievement, effort, and a major contribution to the community.

"I am delighted for the groups across Greater Manchester which have received the award. Recent times have highlighted just how valuable volunteering is to the country and I hope many more will be nominated in the future."

Thirty-three organisations across Greater Manchester have been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a group can receive in the UK.

Greater Manchester received the most awards for any region in the UK. The award aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.