A CHARITY which helps criminals get their lives back on track has celebrated receiving an award from the Queen.

Brighton-based abandofbrothers was one of a handful of Sussex charities to be given the Queen's Award for voluntary service.

It is the highest award in the country to be given to voluntary groups. The charity provides mentors to work with young men who need to get their lives back on track.

Chief executive Nathan Roberts and project manager Dan Hartley were invited to the Buckingham Palace garden party to celebrate the award earlier this year.

Peter Field, Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, called it an "exciting charity" when he officially presented the accolade at the Brighton Corn Exchange.

Warren Morgan, Brighton and Hove City Council leader, said it was "inspirational."

The charity, which started six years ago, has a success rate of preventing more than 80 per cent of young men from re-offending by building awareness and understanding.

Nathan Roberts, the charity's chief executive, said: "This is a real privilege and testimony to the hard work of all the men who give their time to help build positive communities."

Visit abandofbrothers.org.uk.