A MENTAL health charity has been handed the highest honour available to voluntary organisations.

The Burrough Harmony Centre, in Bridport, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

It comes in recognition of the charity’s work to provide a “friendly, welcoming, informal service to anyone struggling with their mental health and wellbeing”.

Harmony runs a range of activities during the week, including arts and crafts groups, an allotment group, a men’s walking group, photography, singing and much more.

The Burrough Harmony Centre’s Community Front Room – held at the Assembly Rooms in Gundry Lane – is also open every Thursday to Sunday for anyone heading into a crisis.

The group has 11 volunteers and seven volunteer trustees working alongside staff, helping and supporting up to 200 people each year.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty the King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.

Representatives of the charity will receive the award and certificate from Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, next year, while two people from the organisation will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer.

Alison Cliffe, a trustee, said: “We are delighted that the work our volunteers contribute to the delivery of our services has been recognised.

“Their involvement in The Burrough Harmony Centre is essential to what we do and they bring an invaluable energy and commitment to this vital community mental health and wellbeing hub.”

For more information about the charity and volunteering opportunities, log on to harmonydropin.org.uk, or email harmonyinfo@harmonydropin.org.uk.