HARD-working volunteers in Saltburn enjoyed a proud moment when they received a Queen Mother's special mention birthday award.

The only honour to bear the Queen Mother's name, it was awarded to the 500 Club, which masterminds most of Saltburn's floral and environmental decorations. Marion Harrison, the regional director of the Tidy Britain Group, of which the Queen Mother is patron, was in town last week to present a framed certificate.

Club members had drawn lots to select someone to receive the accolade. The winner was the Rev Marjorie Brook, a curate at St Emmanuel's, who paid tribute to club stalwart, Jackie Taylor, the community volunteer who works tirelessly for Saltburn.

She said: "We are very proud and grateful to Jackie. She has put Saltburn on the map. She has had a lot of help but she has been the driving force."

Miss Taylor said: "What we do is a jigsaw and everyone is an important piece. We can't do without each other."

She said she hoped the certificate would go on show in the library. The award recognises the work of the club, which has placed hundreds of hanging baskets and flower tubs around the town.

Residents are keeping their fingers crossed for judging in the Northumbria in Bloom contest on July 20.