Members of Annan Riding of the Marches (ROM) were presented with their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at a reception in the town hall on Tuesday.
The honour is in recognition of the ROM being at the heart of the town over many decades.
The volunteers’ hard work provides an annual historic event which promotes community spirit and is much-loved by Annan residents, as well as the many visitors nationally and internationally it attracts.
Fiona Armstrong, Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries, presented the award, which was created in 2002 to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.
It is known as “the MBE of volunteering” and recognises outstanding work by groups to benefit their local communities.
Annan ROM convener Stuart Thompson MBE said he was “deeply honoured” that all those who work hard to stage the summer spectacle have been honoured with the award.
He said: “This is a tremendous achievement and the group should feel immensely proud.”
The Lord Lieutenant said: “Volunteers with Annan Riding of the Marches richly deserve this award. Their hard work and enthusiasm over so many years means local culture thrives and tradition lives on. The event is one that unites the whole community. It instils pride and brings inclusivity.
“Here in Dumfriesshire, we are so proud of the work done by the committee and members.”
The region has a number of organisations that have achieved the award since its interception, including Blood Bikes, the Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project, Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust, D&G LGBT Plus, Sports Driving Unlimited, Galloway Mountain Rescue Team, Kirkcudbright Summer Festivals, the Port William Community Association and the West Galloway Branch of St John Scotland.
