TWO Greenock groups have been announced as winners of this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Ardgowan Hospice Volunteers and Greenock ABC (Amateur Boxing Club) are among eight organisations in Scotland to be honoured.

The award recognises the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others and is equivalent to the MBE.

It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged to be of the highest standard.

Ardgowan Hospice Volunteers provide a service for patients and families affected by life-limiting conditions and Greenock ABC aim to get young people off the streets and to channel their energies into sports and a healthier lifestyle.

The winners from Scotland were selected from 379 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.