A Witney charity working with young people has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2008.

Base 33, in Welch Way, works with all young people, but has been particularly successful with socially excluded and hard-to-reach teenagers in helping them to develop relationships and work on life skills.

Manager Jude Levermore said she was delighted with the award, which was set up in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

It recognises the role played by the thousands of 'unsung heroes' of the voluntary and community world.

She said: "I am very proud of the way young people respond to the way we work with them and the opportunities we offer them.

"Young people get a lot of bad press, but this award proves that with the commitment and skills of hard-working volunteers, a community can help its young people feel connected to the society in which they live."

Base 33 also offers young people at risk of being expelled or suspended from schools the opportunity to gain basic GCSEs.

They can also achieve a certificate in personal effectiveness and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Base youth worker Mark Bennett said: "It's brilliant the work we do is being recognised. We work long hours and, although it can be rewarding, it is also sometimes very hard.

"I am delighted Base 33 has got this award. It's a big thumbs up to us and all the young people we work with."

Base 33 was set up in 1998 backed by the town's churches.

Methodist minister Richard Donahue, the current chairman of trustees, said: "It has brought me into contact with some remarkable people, staff and volunteers.

"I cannot praise too highly their commitment, professionalism and expertise."