THE Wee County's lung health support group is this week being honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire has received the award for its outstanding contribution in offering support, information and friendship to people living with lung disease as well as their family and carers.

The local support initiative is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award, often referred to as the MBE for charities, along with another local organisation in Forth Valley Welcome.

Linda McLeod, chair of Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire who herself received an MBE two years ago, said: "We are delighted that our group have been recognised, this is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of our volunteers."

The award will be delivered by Clackmannanshire's Lord-Lieutenant Johnny Stewart, who sent his congratulations, at a later date.

He added: "I am absolutely delighted that this group has won such a prestigious award for its pro-active approach to lung disease.

"I have met many volunteers over the last four years and know what an outstanding job they do within the community.

"This is much more than just a group that meets once a month as other similar groups do.

"It is about transforming the way people think about lung conditions and influencing policy makers to invest in treatment and support.

"It is about engaging young people on the dangers of smoking, campaigning for better air quality and embracing technology to make difficult lives easier.

"What comes through all of this is that by being part of the group the members are not only supported but are also given a renewed purpose in life in that they are doing something positive to help others in a similar position and perhaps even more importantly helping future generations to avoid being afflicted in the same way."

As part of the recognition for the local group, which works under the umbrella of the British Lung Foundation, two volunteers will be invited to attend a party hosted by the queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in July 2021.

The list of awardees was made official yesterday, June 2, on the anniversary of the queen's coronation.