COMMUNITY stalwarts who have worked tirelessly to help people with a range of disabilities have received some royal recognition for their outstanding efforts. As reported in the Free Press in June, the Minehead-based West Somerset Disability Association is one of just 92 organisations across the UK to receive the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary service this year. And as the Queen's representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Lady Gass presented the award to West Somerset Disability Association chairman Dorothy Lloyd at a special ceremony last week at Minehead's Seahorse Centre, where the group is based. The event followed a garden party at Buckingham Palace just under three weeks ago, attended by some of the association members. The award has been given in recognition of the excellent support, social and educational opportunities offered to people with physical difficulties across West Somerset. And Mrs Lloyd said the association was delighted to have it: "It recognises the hard work and determination of all our volunteers who selflessly give their time to support others in the local community." A committee of just 12 volunteers provide a range of services for the association's 71 members, who are aged from 20 to 80-plus. They meet four days a week at the Seahorse Centre where they can explore the world of information technology and also receive one-to-one expert tuition in using a new Braille machine, software for sight-impaired people and voice activated equipment for people who cannot use their hands. The association also offers information and advice on disability issues, while its members frequently enjoy trips out, such as a recent one to the London Eye. In addition to Lady Gass, the presentation was attended by a number of Somerset's deputy lieutenants as well as the Somerset County Council chairman Cllr Alan Gloak, West Somerset District Council chairman Cllr Barbara Child and Minehead Mayor Cllr Nick Messarra, along with representatives from charitable and community organisations. Pictured at the presentation, at the back, from left, are Trevor Smallwood, Cllr Messarra, Cllr Gloak, Cllr Child, former Somerset Lord Lieutenant John Greswell, Lady Gass, Jane Emamanuel, Alison Gromellin, David Baker and Cllr Terry Venner. In the front, from left, are Philip Hobbs, Mary Court, association president Jean Gilbert and Mrs Lloyd Photo: Wheelspin Photography.