Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson presents King’s Award for Voluntary Service to New Forest Basics Bank in Lymington

THE Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire has said “how sad it is” that Britain has “so many” food banks.

Nigel Atkinson made the remark at a presentation ceremony at New Forest Basics Bank, where he was handing over a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The honour is the highest recognition a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. There are 170,000 registered charities in the UK and only 281 are receiving such an award this year.

Speaking at the ceremony, held at the NFBB’s base in Lymington, Mr Atkinson said the number of food banks in the country “shows how many people are struggling”.

But he praised the charity for its efforts in helping people, and said he was “thrilled” the NFBB had won the award as “worthy winners”.

He added: “I have been looking forward to this award presentation since it was announced last November. It is a huge honour to present this on behalf of His Majesty the King, and I was thrilled when I heard NFBB had been selected.

“The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive, equivalent to an MBE, and is awarded for life.

“I was especially pleased that NFBB won this award in its 20th anniversary year. From humble beginnings in 2004, it has grown into an essential support service for the New Forest, helping 12,000 people a year.

“It is a testament to the dedication of your 279 volunteers, who always go out of their way to say yes and make things happen. This award is a truly well-deserved recognition of all that you do."

He called the charity “inspiring” and said the medal “shows just how good you are”.

A crowd of volunteers clapped as the honour was handed over to chair Oliver Stanley who said: “This is an amazing day for us. I am incredibly proud to be part of this organisation, where every day brings new challenges that we love – and hopefully, our best day will be tomorrow.

“I accept this award on behalf of our 279 volunteers, all of whom are unpaid and completely dedicated.”

The ceremony also saw the attendance of Chloe Anderson, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, a role given to young person who has made a “significant contribution to the county”.