The Solihull Hebrew Congregation Thursday Club and Jewish Care Scotland’s Social Care Agency have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service — the MBE for volunteer groups.

Run by Rabbi Yehuda and Dinie Pink, the Thursday Club was recognised for providing support and a social hub for the local elderly.

The club receives a certificate signed by the Queen and a piece of commemorative crystal. The Pinks and two other club represenatives were also invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party.

Rabbi Pink was “delighted that the hard work and dedication of the volunteers at the Solihull Thursday Club have been recognised nationally. Our work would not be possible without the help of the many charitable trusts who support us financially — in particular Birmingham Jewish Community Care, who work hand-in-hand with us in this venture.”

Solihull Hebrew Congregation chair Jon Gouldman regarded the club as “a cornerstone of our community. This award acknowledges the wonderful service it provides and the high standards of volunteering that support it.”

For Jewish Care Scotland, Social Care Agency chair Lesley Roles said the accolade was “well deserved recognition” of volunteers’ time and commitment.She also thanked Jewish Care Scotland chief executive Suzanne Neville and chair Maureen Solomons for their help.