VOLUNTEERS at a historic watermill have been presented with a prestigious accolade, considered to be the MBE of voluntary work.

Members of the Stotfold Mill Preservation trust were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Sir Samuel Whitbread last weekend.

Sir Whitbread, said: “They deserve the award because of the magnificent work that the volunteers put in.

“It’s a perfect example of a team of volunteers who can do something like this and do it right.

“I hope it will inspire other people to do voluntary work for the benefit of their community.”

The award recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by volunteers.

Stotfold Watermill is one of 103 groups to receive the accolade this year and has been honoured for renovating a derelict building into a thriving mill, which is once again producing flour.

The volunteers also run a tea room and organise an annual country fare that is attended by thousands of visitors each year.

Paul Redwood, a member of the Board of Trustees at Stotfold Watermill, said:

“The motto of Stotfold Watermill is ‘Keeping the wheels of history turning – through the power of volunteers’ so we are all thrilled that the hard work of so many people over many years has been recognised by this prestigious award.”

The ceremony took place in a marquee near the mill and was attended by volunteers and councillors from Stotfold town.

The trust received a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative crystal.

Brian Collier, Chairman of Stotfold Town Council, said: “It’s fantastic, it’s a real honour for the people who have worked to restore the Mill.

“It’s been one heck of a job to get it back up and running but to get this honour is the icing on the cake.”