THE QUEEN has recognised the hard work of a unique team of volunteers with a prestigious award.

Darlington’s Café JJ has been granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK.

Café JJ is run by a team of disabled volunteers who work together to run the lively venture that sees them cook and serve meals every Tuesday in the Clifton Community Centre.

It was established in 2007 by husband and wife Val and Joe Hutchinson whose son, keen chef John, has Down’s Syndrome.

Café JJ has allowed John to pursue his interest in catering and has expanded to provide opportunities for others with learning difficulties to develop a variety of skills.

The award-winning team now consists of John, John Shepherd, Louise Hindmarch, Cheryl Cordier, Emma Watson, Claire Brookbanks, Jon Hardman, Natasha Nicholson, Hayley Robers, Fiona Goodlad and Fiona Nichols.

All members are currently celebrating their win, which is considered the MBE for volunteer groups.

The award will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon.

Mrs Hutchinson said it represents a tremendous achievement for the café and its volunteers.

She added: “I’ve always been very proud of each member of Café JJ.

“They have dedicated themselves to gaining catering skills to provide delicious lunches to our customers.

“They come into work full of enthusiasm and work extremely hard.

“They deserve this award for the hours they have volunteered over many years and the positive example they give of what disabled people can achieve.

“The unique thing about team JJ is that they are people with learning disabilities giving back to the community.”

The award was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was judged by an independent assessment committee chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE.

A citation on the award reads: “Disabled volunteers working hard and using their skills to provide a service to the community.”

Café JJ is open for home-cooked lunches every Tuesday and hosts around 60 customers each week.

For more information, visit stcolumbasdarlington.co.uk/café-jj.