A MINEHEAD-based volunteer group providing a lifeline for people with a range of disabilities has won an official thank you of the highest order. The West Somerset Disability Association is one of just 92 organisations in the UK to receive the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service this year, which recognises the essential role played by the nation's unsung heroes. News of the top accolade was released officially yesterday (Thursday). But the association's president Jean Gilbert admitted she had kept the secret for the past fortnight. And the group's 70-strong membership were said to be "absolutely gobsmacked" when told of the honour. "Nobody could believe it," said Mrs Gilbert. "It's just fantastic." The association was set up five years ago to provide support, education and opportunities for people with physical disabilities, from those with sight or hearing problems to those confined to wheelchairs. Since it was launched it has won thousands of pounds of Lottery cash to help it create a range of facilities at its base in the Seahorse Centre, including a top notch computer suite. And it has also received invaluable help and advice from local organisations and authorities, not least West Somerset District Council community safety officer Martin Greenwood, Carol Stone of the West Somerset CVS - who nominated the group for the award - and Somerset County Council social services. "It has been very hard work to build this organisation up over the last five years and you have to remember that we are all volunteers," said Mrs Gilbert. "But what we have got here is very special and to have it recognised in this way is just brilliant. "The support we have had from so many different people and organisations has been tremendous and we would like to thank them all." The association will be presented with a certificate signed by the Queen and will also receive a piece of inscribed commemorative crystal. The award was launched in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee and to celebrate outstanding achievements by groups of volunteers. It is only given to those groups where volunteers are judged to have regularly devoted their time to providing an outstanding level of help to other people. Paul Goggins, Minister for the voluntary and community sector, said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities. "I'm so delighted that we can recognise their efforts through this award for community support. "Groups like these are a vital resource who make a huge difference to the everyday lives of so many people. "It is really important that they are given the praise they deserve, particularly as 2005 is the Year of the Volunteer."