It's just fab for the Bonnyrigg-based PHAB Club

Earlier this month Lord Lieutenant Sir Robert Clerk presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the club, which is based at Lasswade High School.

The group works in the community to provide social and educational opportunities for people with additional support needs.

It is based in the school to provide a relaxed club environment while encouraging the integration and education of adults resident in Midlothian who have additional support needs. The PHAB Club was established in 1978 and meets every Wednesday evening during school term.

Club chairman Moira Wilson and vice-chairman Sheila Johnston will be attending a garden party at Holyrood in July where they will meet the Queen and other winners of this year’s award.

Moira added: “We are thrilled and excited to receive this prestigious award. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers that the club has remained in existence for so many years and our volunteers and members are all very proud to have been be recognised in this way.”

Sir Robert Clerk added: “I am delighted that the wonderful volunteers who run Lasswade High School PHAB Club have received the accolade of a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Whilst some of the volunteers have been involved with the club for many years others, including senior school pupils, have through it been given an opportunity to give a little of their time to make a difference to the lives of people less fortunate than themselves and in doing so have also benefitted greatly.”

The PHAB Club is one of 193 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year. The number of awards given to groups this year is slightly higher than last year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges.