A struggling charity which has had its funding cut has been handed the highest award a voluntary group can receive.

The Crescent, an HIV charity in St Albans, had its Herts County Council funding cut several years ago and relies solely on donations to help provide support to people who have been diagnosed or living with HIV.

The charity has now been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Head of operations Iain Murtagh attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month but has only recently been able to share the exciting news.

He said: “Without the support of the wonderful people of St Albans, who have donated time and money to help us in our hour of need, we simply would not have survived.

“This award is for all of you and we wish to express, on behalf of our hundreds of members, our heartfelt thanks to you all.”

The Crescent was one of 193 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The charity will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire later this summer.

After learning of the award, St Albans MP, Anne Main, said: “This is a very well deserved award, and I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate them on their success. I’m delighted they have been recognised in this way.

“The Crescent do invaluable work in St Albans. Very many people tell me how much they cherish the service. Both users and their families are extremely grateful for their help and support.”

Iain added: “We have much work to do, but together we can beat HIV. Please help us to continue to support those affected, and continue to work to reduce the opportunity for the virus to gain ground in our community.”

For more information about The Crescent, visit here.