A Suffolk charity that rescues surplus food and distributes it to the public has been honoured with a prestigious award. 

Still Good Food, which runs shops in Bury St Edmunds and Great Barton, is one of 281 local charities and enterprises receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service. 

This award, announced yearly on November 14, the King's birthday, is equivalent to an MBE and is awarded for life.

Still Good Food representatives will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lady Clare FitzRoy, Countess of Euston and Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk later in the year.

A pair of volunteers from the charity will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, as well as other recipients of this year's award.

Roz Scott, gleaning coordinator from Still Good Food, said: "We simply could not exist without our marvellous volunteers, so this award is absolutely for them.

"They ‘glean’ fields to collect food from farms which would otherwise go to waste. They rescue unsold food from supermarkets and retailers.

"They staff our shops where all the food that’s been collected is distributed to our customers. Our mission to reduce food waste can only happen because of their time.

"We are absolutely thrilled that the dedication and support Still Good Food receives from local people has been recognised in the best possible way."

Still Good Food is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

In the last three months alone volunteers have rescued over 12,500kg of produce.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.