The volunteer team of St Nicholas' Hospice's Nicky's Way programme received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services on Tuesday, in front of a crowd of people including children who have used the programme since it began nine years ago.

Presenting the award on behalf of the Queen at the Theatre Royal, in Bury St Edmunds, the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lord Tollemarche, praised the team of 18 volunteers for their dedication.

"These awards are very sparingly given and this is the only one in Suffolk this year," he said. "The volunteers are all very special people dealing with children at a most difficult time in their young lives."

Receiving the award on behalf of the team, Alastair Robinson, chairman of the hospice's board of trustees, said: "We are deeply grateful and very proud to receive this award. It reflects the wonderful work of the volunteers who support the hospice by giving their undivided attention and incredible skills to try to alleviate pain and suffering in our community."

Speaking after the presentation, Nicky's Way co-ordinator Yvonne Holman said: "It's very exciting. When you're put forward for these things you never expect that you're going to be a winner and it's great for the volunteers.

"I'm delighted, especially for the volunteer team – it's recognition of their enormously important work."

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