Strawberry Line volunteers receive King’s Award

By Laura Linham 14th Nov 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 14th Nov 2026

The Strawberry Line Society has received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour given to local voluntary groups in the UK. It is one of five Somerset organisations recognised in this year's awards.

The Society's volunteers have helped create and maintain a 20-mile route for walkers and cyclists, including people with disabilities. The award citation says the route now includes five off-road sections across more than 74 acres of countryside.

The Strawberry Line follows sections of the former Cheddar Valley railway, linking Shepton Mallet, Wells, Cheddar and Yatton. The citation estimates that more than half a million walks and well over 100,000 cycle rides take place on the route each year.

Mick Fletcher, from the Strawberry Line Society, said: "We were delighted when we heard that we were to receive the King's Award for Voluntary Service. It is public recognition of the work of so many volunteers, who over many years have helped to make the Strawberry Line the well-used and highly valued community resource that it is today"

The award is equivalent to an MBE for volunteer groups. The other Somerset recipients are Avalon Camps, Fair Frome and Pride in Paulton Partnership; Wells Festival of Literature has also received the award.

Justin Sargent DL, who oversees the Somerset nominations on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, said: "I am delighted that each of these groups has received the highest recognition for their work in their communities.

"They are 5 very different organisations, but they all show the extraordinary impact small groups of volunteers can have, making Somerset a better place for everyone. I congratulate them all.

"As well as richly deserved recognition for their hard work, the Kings Awards for Voluntary Service will enhance the reputation of these groups and raise their profile, helping them attract support for their work."