VOLUNTEERS from a charity that supports vulnerable people in Hereford will receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service this weekend.

Members of faith-led charity Vennture will receive the accolade from The Dowager Countess of Darnley JP, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, at a civic service at Holy Trinity Whitecross on Sunday November 25.

All are welcome to attend the service which takes place at 6.30pm.

Robert Thomas, Vennture Lead Executive said: "It is hard to think that in 2012 there was nothing - just a small group of people wanting to bring practical meaning to the power of Jesus’ love."

The charity has so far supported 120 vulnerable families and homeless people and helps 1 in 4 young people working in Hereford's night time economy.

The team has also trained up 150 people to help support members of the community who find themselves in challenging circumstances.

Vennture was formed when Martin Erwin, leader of Challenge Church, and other church leaders decided the church in the county needed to work together to address local issues.

Martin approached Vennture’s founding chair, The Rev'd Paul Towner, and together they formed the team that kickstarted Hereford City Mission which later became Herefordshire Vennture.

Paul Towner said: "As church leaders we knew the difference Jesus’ love could make locally. The start point was to realise that working collectively we could make far more of a difference than individual churches doing their own thing."

The group has also worked closely with the council, police and Hereford Bid to create Team Hereford, a cross-sector project to help improve the city.

Rob added: "We are grateful that our volunteers are to receive this Royal recognition. As church people we also want to recognise without Jesus’ love none of this could happen. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."