The Sai School of Harrow has been chosen as a winner of this year's prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, giving recognition to the unsung heroes in our communities that play an essential role in our daily lives. The Stanmore-based group nurtures children from ethnic minority communities into responsible citizens through an education programme and various community projects.

In total, 92 organisations across the voluntary sector will be a recipient of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service across the UK this year.

All winners have been nominated by members of the public who have either benefited from their work, or seen the positive effect on their community. The Award is only given to those groups where volunteers are judged to have regularly devoted their time to providing an outstanding level of help to other people.

Ranu Metcha-Radia from Sai School of Harrow says: "We've been waiting to launch our citizenship program and winning the Queen's Award will now benefit us in doing so.

Paul Goggins, Minister for the Voluntary and Community Sector, said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities so I'm delighted that we can recognise their efforts through this award.

"These groups are a vital resource who make a huge difference to the everyday lives of so many people. It is really important that they are given the praise they deserve, particularly as this is the Year of the Volunteer.

"I hope that people will now think ahead to next year, and give groups that are making a difference due recognition by nominating them for the 2006 Awards."

Nomination forms for the 2006 Queen's Award for Volunteering Service are available from www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk or by calling 0845 000 2002. The nomination period runs until 30 September 2005.

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