A CHARITY that helps disabled people enjoying cruises along the Basingstoke Canal has been given a Queens Award for Volunteering.

Accessible Boating Association, based in Odiham, was presented with the award by Nigel Atkinson, the Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire.

The presentation took place last week and volunteer Brian Drew called it "one of the most important days in ABA's 35-year history".

"We all felt incredibly proud as the work that we do was acknowledged by the presentation of the Queens Award for Volunteering," he said.

The Queens Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. It was created in 2002.

The charity facilitates cruises along the canal for people who cannot do so on a normal boat, because of physical capability or mental difficulties.

"By providing specially adapted boats that have hydraulic lifts, the association provides the freedom for these people and their carers get on and off boats safely and securely and to then experience a cruise in beautiful surroundings," Mr Drew continued.

The idea of ABA was first floated in 1986, when it was taken to Mildred Stocks, then chairman of Hart District Council.

He remains president of the organisation today and its first boat was named after him.