It was a day at the palace for volunteers recognised in the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service List.

Commended charities, the Jeremiah Project and Merton Street Pastors were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 3.

They are two of 111 organisations selected by Her Majesty to receive the UK national honour recognising volunteering at a special ceremony in London.

Kevin Vickers, Jeremiah Project co-founder and pastor of All Nations Revival Church, said: "We found out about it about a week ago so we were thrilled. When we heard we couldn't believe it.

"What we are really excited about is that this award recognises the church working together outside of their buildings and working on the streets with people in terms of social community projects."

The Jeremiah Project works with Mitcham churches to run a multitude of projects to provide education, practical and pastoral support to the community.

John Goddard, Merton Street Pastors co-ordinator, said: "The team are very happy. I've had messages from a few of them saying how amazing it is.

"One of the really good things about Merton Street Pastors is we have got 26 churches working together and the relationship we have built with the police and the council, who are very supportive of what we do."

Merton Street Pastors are a team of 40 volunteers from local churches who patrol the streets late at night and on weekends to help those in trouble.

The groups will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal presented by Her Majesty's Lord-Lietenants at a London ceremony.