A NORTON charity has celebrated its Royal recognition by the late Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre is one of five charities nominated for the Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service by the Lord-Lieutenant Barry Dodd shortly before he died in a helicopter crash in May.

It was chosen for its work supporting people with mental health and well-being issues. The other chosen charities were the North Ormesby Amateur Boxing Club, The Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, St John’s Community Centre and Swaledale Festival.

To celebrate the award, Next Steps held a reception at Ryedale Indoor Community Centre in Norton attended by the North Yorkshire High Sheriff Christopher Legard and his wife Miranda. Also present were Michael Cleary, chairman of Ryedale District Council, friends, volunteers, supporters and users of Next Steps.

Alan Evans, chairman of Next Steps Trustees, said the charity would like to pass on their condolences to the family of the late Mr Dodd.

“I would like to thank Leisa Burniston who leads the wonderful staff and volunteers at Next Steps who made the award possible,” he said.

“I would also like to thank key long term funders, The BIG Lottery and Lloyds Bank Foundation together with the many local bodies and individuals who give financial support on an annual basis, Lions, Rotary, Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and other local trusts to help further improve the lives of local people in Ryedale.

“Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre operates from Norton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Sherburn and Wintringham providing support for vulnerable people to prevent loneliness and isolation in Ryedale.”

All the groups will receive their awards at a ceremony in Scampston Hall on September 27.