A VOLUNTARY group which has helped hundreds of bereaved people come to terms with their grief is to be presented with a Queens Award.

Calderdale Help in Bereavement Service will be presented with the award for voluntary service by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dr Ingrid Roscoe, at Halifax Town Hall on Wednesday, September 15.

Around 50 befrienders, all volunteers, work with bereaved people, providing emotional support and helping them come to terms with their loss.

People are referred by social services, GPs, community mental health teams or Macmillan nurses.

Some people also contact the service independently.

Brenda Simpson, spokeswoman, said: "We are getting busier and, while we have never had to turn anyone away, it is sometimes difficult to meet the needs of all our clients.

"We are always on the look-out for more befrienders."

To find out more contact Brenda Simpson on 01422 378432 or the helplines 0845 0099220 or 0845 0099221.