NATIONAL Coastwatch Institution Prawle Point has won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2012.

The honour was created by the Queen to mark her golden jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers. It has an equivalent status for groups as the MBE has for individuals.

The news had been kept secret – by order – for over a month but was given this week to all the watchkeepers at Prawle Point by stationmaster Roger Barrett, who described it as 'a splendid achievement and great honour for which we can all feel enormously proud'.

The nomination for the award was made by Cllr John Baverstock and was supported by Captain Ian Gibson, Salcombe harbourmaster and Jane Payne, secretary of Friends of Prawle Point.

They considered that the NCI volunteers, who keep watch at the Prawle Point station through daylight hours every day of the year, deserve recognition for the service they provide.

By looking out for those in danger or distress, they are able to provide vital local on information when incidents occur to HM Coastguard which co-ordinates search and rescue.

Many fishermen, sailors, divers, anglers and walkers appreciate the fact that NCI watchkeepers are looking out for them and the Salcombe lifeboat coxswain and crew acknowledge the usefulness of 'eyes along the coast' particularly from the 200ft vantage point of the lookout.

During the year under consideration for the award, NCI Prawle Point assisted in 17 incidents.

It was noted that the 62 volunteer watchkeepers enjoy a strong social and professional bond maintained by extensive training, monthly social gatherings and in-house publications.

No demands are made on the public purse as the station is maintained entirely from local fundraising and donations. Over £5,000 is raised each year.

In addition, the local support group, Friends of Prawle Point raise between £2,000 and £3,000 a year at their well-attended local events.

Environmental services include protecting the coastal heritage by notifying the authorities of pollution and environmental damage, dangers to livestock and illegal diving on historic wreck sites.

Ongoing challenges are the maintenance of two very exposed buildings and ensuring that all volunteers are trained to meet the high standards required.

NCI Prawle Point volunteers first became aware that they were being considered for the award last November when the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Geoff Bush, visited Prawle Point to meet chairman Jon Gifford and station manager Roger Barrett to observe the two duty officers on watch and quiz seven other watchkeepers.

It was with much excitement that the final, but still 'secret', result was received in April together with an invitation from the Lord Chamberlain to send representatives to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 22.

The presentation of the award – a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative crystal – will be on,Tuesday, July 24, by the Lord Lieutenant at County Hall, Exeter.

Among those receiving the award will be Jon Gifford, chairman of NCI Prawle Point, who as well as being the national NCI president, is no stranger to awards having received the OBE this year.

For more information about NCI Prawle Point, go to http://www.nci-prawlepoint.org.uk">www.nci-prawlepoint.org.uk