A LONG established charity has gained royal recognition of excellence.

Following their visit to Ilkley and District Good Neighbours, assessors from the Duke of York’s Community Initiative described the group as 'a quintessential community support organisation'.

Ilkley and District Good Neighbours was established in the 1970s and, with the exception of one paid employee, is run entirely by volunteers.

The group focusses on befriending, providing assistance with shopping, organising Over 90s parties and excursions, help with modest home and garden tasks and providing Christmas parcels to older people in Ilkley.

The Duke of York’s Community Initiative awards are presented annually to organisations who are seen to be making a very real difference to the communities they serve. The award will be given out to a total of 34 different groups by HRH The Duke of York at a ceremony to be held in the New Year.

Speaking of the award, Ilkley Good Neighbours’ chairman, Judy Hutton, said: "We are thrilled to receive Royal recognition. I know that I speak for my fellow Trustees in saying that we are immensely proud of all our wonderful volunteers, without whom none of our work would be possible."