Volunteer Group Wins Top UK Award for Cleaning River Witham

In a remarkable achievement, the Grantham RiverCare volunteer group has been awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest national honor for volunteer organizations in the UK. The group, which has been actively cleaning up the River Witham and its surrounding areas for over 20 years, was the only one in Lincolnshire to receive this prestigious accolade this year.

The award recognizes Grantham RiverCare's "exceptional commitment" to the environment and local community. Since 2004, the group has organized more than 150 cleanup events, tirelessly working to improve the health and appearance of the River Witham. Their efforts have made a tangible difference, benefiting both the natural ecosystem and the pride of the people who live in the area.

The group's leaders, David Martin and Ian Simmons, expressed their gratitude, stating that the award belongs to every single volunteer who has contributed to the cause over the past two decades. They also paid tribute to the group's founder, John Knowles, whose vision sparked this remarkable initiative.