A TEIGNMOUTH charity was one of seven local charities recently awarded the Quality Award by Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant.

The Alice Cross Centre was presented the award by HM Deputy Lieutenant Robin Barlow in the Grand Hall of Old Forde House.

In order to pick up the award the charity had to pass a rigorous inspection and demonstrate it had quality governance and procedures, not just on paper, but demonstrated by the knowledge of volunteers and staff.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of The Alice Cross Centre and 70 years since Alice Cross began her work in Teignmouth.

Seven charities were presented their certificates by HM Deputy Lieutenant at Old Forde House, including five charities from Teignbridge.

Cllr Tim Golder, chairman of Teignbridge Council; Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust director Judy Falcao; and Cllr Sylvia Russell, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, attended the event and spoke about the important role the voluntary sector plays in the community and health.

The other Teignbridge charities who received an award were Assist Teignbridge, based in Dawlish; Open Daw, from Dawlish; Moorland Community Care Group, from Bovey Tracey; and Morecare in Moretonhampstead.

David Cox, of Teignbridge Community and Voluntary Services which helped set the award, said: ‘I’m pleased to say of the groups achieving this award the majority are Teignbridge-based groups who have embraced the opportunity to improve their practice.

‘Working with CVS colleagues in South Hams and Torbay Teignbridge CVS has developed a Quality Mark that is rigorous and challenging.

‘Groups are given help and supported to achieve the award and it is a real accomplishment to pass The Alice Cross Centre, Assist Teignbridge, Open Daw­, Moorland Community Care Group and Morecare.’