It has been announced today (2 June) that the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) at Folkestone has been granted The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Hawkinge resident and Parish Councillor, Tony Hutt, runs NCI Folkestone which now has 54 volunteers keeping a watch on the sea and shores in and around Folkestone to summon help in an emergency.

NCI Chairman Alan Richards said: 'Congratulations to Tony Hutt and his team for earning this honour, which not only recognises the valuable contribution which they make, but also reflects well on NCI as a whole.'

The group was nominated for the award by Shepway councillor, Susan Carey, when she was chairman of the District Council and supported by Robert Bliss, Leader of the Council.

Cllr Susan Carey, Anne Hutt, Cllr Robert Bliss and Cllr Tony Hutt celebrate the award

The Queen's Award is a national honour and is given to voluntary organisations.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent will present NCI Folkestone with an inscribed commemorative crystal and certificate later this year.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©