A charity has been given royal recognition for its work.

The Sussex Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Centre received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

The centre, based at Southwick recreation ground, near Shoreham, has been providing therapies and support for people with multiple sclerosis for almost 30 years.

It was originally based at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham before moving to Southwick in 1994.

Support includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy – breathing pure oxygen in a pressure chamber – and various treatments including physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, shiatsu and reflexology.

The centre is also the hub of the local MS community, where people with the condition can meet and support each other.

The charity has a team of more than 50 volunteers and a spokesman said they were delighted that their hard work had been recognised. The Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper, presented the award to manager Alan Taylor at the centre.


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