The group was presented with a certificate by George Streatfeild, High Sheriff of Dorset from 2020-21, to honour the efforts of the volunteers and donators involved.

The group, which has around 250 volunteers, has helped almost 300 residents, coordinating shopping and prescription deliveries for people who have had to self-isolate. It has also organised other activities to keep people motivated during the pandemic. The next event will be the Easter Egg trail, which people can enter until Easter Monday, and the group also has plans to launch a food bank.

Hannah Hobbs-Chell, one of the directors said, “We were absolutely honoured and delighted to be nominated and to receive the award. There have been so many in our community who have volunteered and selflessly given to the community, and this award recognises the huge collective effort of all. It was perhaps poignant, though purely by chance, that we were presented this award one our one year anniversary of the start of our group.”

To find out more about Ferndown Community Support, or to volunteer, visit www.ferndowncommunitycoronavirussupport.org.uk