A TAUNTON-based charity has received a 100th birthday present from the Queen.

Somerset Sight, which was set up in 1919 to support soldiers returning from the First World War, is one of four voluntary groups in the county to be given the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Jackie Sopwith, chief executive of Somerset Sight, said: "This is an amazing achievement and my thanks go out to all our dedicated volunteers who do so much to support people with visual impairment throughout the county.

"To receive a Queen’s Award is a very great honour and I am absolutely delighted that in our centenary year our volunteers have received this award in recognition of the amazing work they do."

Also honoured with the accolade is Wiveliscombe Area Partnership, one of Somerset's longest standing and most successful community regeneration partnerships.

It provides an accessible community transport service and acts strategically by enabling fledgling groups to form, develop to autonomy and deliver their projects.

Forum 21, which works to improve the sustainability of communities in West Somerset, is another award winner.

Its community woodland project cares for the planet by improving wildlife and producing renewable energy, while its energy work cares for vulnerable members of the community.

Portishead in Bloom is the other Queen's Award winner in the county.

Representatives from each group attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month, along with other successful groups from across the country.

They will also receive a crystal award, a certificate signed by the Queen and they can use the QAVS logo on stationery and websites.

They will officially receive the award from the the Queens representative in the county, Lord Lieutenant Annie Maw, later this summer.

She said: "The way we live, within our communities, depends always on a few active public-spirited people who contribute in a multitude of ways.

"The QAVS reminds us that doing things voluntarily to improve the lives of those we live among is an act of wonderful generosity."

Winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.