A food bank has been given the highest recognition a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The New Forest Basics Bank (NFBB), based in Lymington, was awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE.

The award was presented to the organisation on Wednesday, April 2, by Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, during a special ceremony at the food bank’s facilities.

The event began with the Lord Lieutenant and Mrs Atkinson arriving, accompanied by Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Chloe Anderson.

They were greeted by Oliver Stanley, chairman of the New Forest Basics Bank, who introduced them to the food bank’s trustees.

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The group then proceeded to the outdoor ceremony location, where Oliver made a short speech to mark the occasion.

Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and Oliver Stanley, Chairman of the New Forest Basics Bank.Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and Oliver Stanley, Chairman of the New Forest Basics Bank. (Image: New Forest Basics Bank) Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, said: "Today is a very special occasion, and I have been looking forward to this award presentation since it was announced last November.

"It is a huge honour to present this on behalf of His Majesty The King, and I was thrilled when I heard NFBB had been selected.

"The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive, equivalent to an MBE, and is awarded for life.

"Out of 170,000 registered charities in the UK, only 281 received this award nationwide this year, and just 66 in Hampshire since 2002.

"That alone shows how special this achievement is."

Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and Cadet, Chloe Anderson.Nigel Atkinson, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and Cadet, Chloe Anderson. (Image: New Forest Basics Bank) In 2023 alone, NFBB distributed 4,741 household parcels, 203 parcels for schools and youth clubs, and provided essential food and supplies to 870 households in need.

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The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire continued: "I was especially pleased that NFBB won this award in its 20th anniversary year.

"From humble beginnings in 2004, it has grown into an essential support service for the New Forest, helping 12,000 people a year.

"It is a testament to the dedication of your 279 volunteers, who always go out of their way to say yes and make things happen.

"This award is a truly well-deserved recognition of all that you do."

As part of the award, each volunteer received a special badge, and some were invited to attend the Palace’s garden parties.