Two organisations near Ashby have been awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. 

The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is the equivalent to an MBE. 

Winners of the King's Award were announced on 14th November on the King's Birthday. 

This year's winners include Bright Hope House and Heather Scarecrow Festival. 

Bright Hope offer a range of therapeutic and social services to support individuals with a life limiting condition or one that leads to a significant reduction in quality of life. They also offer support to partners, carers and families. 

As part of the services they run, Bright Hope holds Support Cafes in Ashby, Ibstock and Coalville, as well as counselling, befriending, complementary therapy, wellness support and day care.

Bright Hope House offers a variety of therapeutic and social services to local people (Photo: Bright Hope House)

Through their work, they hope to give the power back to those who use them, creating a community where no one is left behind, and everyone is lifted up. 

Laura Mackie, Chief Executive of Bright Hope, said: 'We are incredibly honoured to receive The King's Award for Voluntary Service – a recognition that belongs to every volunteer, supporter, and member of our Bright Hope community. 

'We hope that this award helps us reach new supporters, enabling us to continue our vital work – without which people would fall through the cracks. 

'Whether someone comes to us for wellness service, complementary therapy, or attends one of our Support Cafes, they're part of something bigger. 

'Bright Hope is more than a charity; it's a social movement – a network of care, connection, and hope across North West Leicestershire. 

'As we receive no statutory funding, everything we do is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. However, to continue meeting the growing needs of our community, we urgently need more assistance to sustain and expand our vital work.' 

The community group that organise the annual Heather Scarecrow Festival has also been awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service. 

The Heather Scarecrow Festival volunteer team (Photo: Heather Scarecrow Festival)

The Scarecrow festival was been running for over 27 years, set up by resident Di Everett, was nominated by Heather Parish Councillor Phillip Harris last year. 

Speaking about the award, Cllr Harrison said: 'It is a testament to the dedication, passion and tireless effort of every single volunteer who works to support the community. Congratulations to them all on this outstanding success.' 

Every year the event, which is run entirely by volunteers, attracts thousands of visitors annually to see the best scarecrow display made by residents and local schools. 

The money raised by selling Scarecrow Guides and the garage sale that runs alongside the weeklong garage sale run by Lynda Hodges and other volunteers, is donated to local groups within the village and funds projects to enhance community facilities. 

'Status Crow' scarecrows (Photo: Heather Scarecrow Festival)

The Chair of the Festival Committee Holly Johnson said: 'I would personally like to thank Rosemary and Rachel for their support and advice during this time. It really helped us understand what has been achieved over the years, raising funds of over £100k, all of which has been distributed to groups in the village and used to improve community facilities as well as the wider reaching benefits which local groups and charities have gained through involvement in the festival. 

'I would like to give huge thanks to every member of the Scarecrow team, past and present, and all the wonderful volunteers and residents of Heather who take part, year after year, making such amazing creations that give so much joy to so many people. 

'Thanks also to Heather St Johns Football Club for their continued support, the schools and organisations that take part and the local businesses who sponsor and support us. 

'Crow Fu Panda' (Photo: Heather Scarecrow Festival)

'We are already planning next year's festival and need more volunteers and sponsors, so please get in touch at heatherscarecrowfestival.com if you would like to get involved in our award-winning team.' 

Award recipients will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur OBE CStJ and representatives will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer of 2026, along with other recipients of this year's award.