FROM knights of the realm to miners and Suffragettes, the 1000-strong cast of the North-East’s live action extravaganza have been recognised.

Known as The Archers, volunteers of The Eleven Arches show: Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, have contributed more than 5,000 hours to bring the history of the region to life since it was launched in Bishop Auckland, in 2016.

They can now also count themselves among those who have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for outstanding work in the community.

Recognised as the equivalent of the MBE for volunteer groups, the prestigious accolade recognises the commitment of those who devote their time to good causes.

The Archers learned of their success during National Volunteers Week, as they continued preparations for the production’s third season, beginning at the end of June.

Co-founder of Eleven Arches, Anne-Isabelle Daulon, said: “We are so immensely proud of the recognition of the passion of all Archers who have collectively contributed more than 500,000 hours of their precious time since our professional training began, bringing Kynren to life as a world-class visitor attraction.

“As we head into our third season, The Queen’s Award is an overwhelming thank you to all Archers, and underlines the priceless gift of time everyone has given to Kynren - ordinary people creating something extraordinary.”

The Archers are joined in their celebrations by other Queen’s Award recipients, including a number of groups and volunteers across the region.

An army of more than a thousand volunteers were recognised for their efforts in supporting the elderly at Age UK Darlington and North Yorkshire.

On Monday, the charity threw a party to mark National Volunteers Week and to celebrate the award win.

Chief executive Gillian Peel said: “We are so pleased that our volunteers have been recognised like this.

“We know we could not help as many people as we do without the good will, hard work and endless good humour of our brilliant volunteers.

“Anyone who has visited our premises knows what a force they are, willing to perform many roles in many areas including as receptionists, volunteer drivers, activities leaders, befrienders, café and kitchen staff, advisors, admin and finance staff and so many more. “This accolade is much deserved.”

The Hartlepool United Disabled Supporters’ Association also received the award, with Neil Appleyard and Darran Hutchinson attending a celebratory garden party at Buckingham Palace last week.

The group assists disabled supporters, provides respite breaks and holds regular discos for those with special needs.

Mr Appleyard said: “It’s just absolutely and totally amazing.

“I think it’s recognition for all the things that are going on in the town – when I see things for vulnerable people, we’re streets ahead of any other town I know.

“It was an amazing experience to walk through Buckingham Palace, the gardens are fantastic and there were so many lovely people, it was wonderful.”

As previously reported, other recipients of the award include the Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre in Rydale, the North Ormesby Amateur Boxing Club, the Richmondshire Building Preservatoin Trust, St John’s Community Centre in Richmond and the Swaledale Festival, all of which were nominated by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd, shortly before he was killed in a recent helicopter crash.