The Forres in Bloom team collected the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) at a ceremony in St Leonard’s Church on Sunday (3 November).
The group, which has been planting flower beds around Forres for 30 years has been the winner of many awards, medals and trophies, is continually inspired by their motto ‘We love where we live’.
The prestigious award recognises exceptional work done by volunteer groups in their communities, and any group of two or more people doing volunteering work can be nominated.
Forres in Bloom received a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal, presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Moray Grenville Johnston.
Moray MP Douglas Ross commented: “This is a richly deserved award for everyone currently involved with Forres in Bloom and those who have supported them since they started several decades ago.
“The Queens Award is the highest accolade voluntary groups such as Forres in Bloom can receive, and the fact there were only 19 recipients across Scotland this year, and only one in Moray, shows how tough it is to be recognised in this way.
“Forres in Bloom deserve this for everything they have done to make our town so colourful and attractive all year round. The commitment and dedication of the volunteers being out in all weathers is extraordinary, from the young FiBees to older members, they work together and produce fantastic results.
“Forres in Bloom are well used to receiving accolades and the Queens Award is a fitting recognition for their years of outstanding service to Forres which people from near and far enjoy.”