CHARITY Ilkley and District Good Neighbours has been presented with an award by the Duke of York for making a difference to the community.

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'.

Presented annually to organisations who are seen to be making a very real difference to the communities they serve, the award was given to a total of 34 different groups by The Duke of York at a ceremony held at Huddersfield University last week.

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. The addition of this Royal accolade will, I hope, spur everyone on to continue to support elderly people maintain their independence.”

Established in the 1970s Ilkley & District Good Neighbours is run almost entirely by volunteers.

The group focusses on befriending, providing assistance with shopping, organising an annual party for people aged 90 and over, twice yearly excursions to Bolton Abbey, help with modest home and garden tasks and providing Christmas Parcels. The emphasis of the charity is to support independent living.

The Duke of York’s Community Initiative is open to local charities and community groups from across the whole of Yorkshire.