A Lisburn group of young adults with disabilities ‘Live Life’ are to be recognised at a grand civic reception as the first such volunteers to win the King’s Award.

The prestigious award is also to be presented to Ballymacash Sport Academy for services promoting health, inclusion, and active living for people of all ages. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) agreed to host two separate celebrations though some concerns were raised over an estimated £12k price tag. Mayor Amanda Grehan commented: “I would just like to say in my year of inclusivity for disability, that Live Life are the first ever young adults with disabilities in the whole of the UK to receive the King’s Award for volunteering.

“So, this award is not for the staff, it is for the young participants who are out doing such things as litter picking, growing vegetables for the homeless and even woollen hats for babies at the Royal hospital.

“It is also a great achievement for Ballymacash Sports Academy.”

Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Alderman Amanda Grehan will host civic receptions to congratulate the local winners of the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Pic credit: LCCC

placeholder image — Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Alderman Amanda Grehan will host civic receptions to congratulate the local winners of the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Pic credit: LCCC

Councillor Nicholas Trimble agreed: “The two organisations are an absolute credit to our area and we absolutely ought to share and facilitate a celebration.

“I have a slight hesitation on spending £12k to do so, and I just want to make sure it represents value for money.

“In terms of setting a precedent, I would hate for any other organisations in previous years in the area who got the award, that they would have their noses point out of joint that we didn’t do the same thing.”

Sprucefield Lidl approved amid concerns of Department for Infrastructure call in

Chief executive David Burns outlined: "The budget would be at a cost of £30 a head for 200 people, mostly on catering with elected members and officers with the rest mostly made up of the groups’ volunteers.

“Hence I suggest the funding comes from the civic budget.

“If it was to be a full civic guest list you would probably need to double the budget. “As far as precedent goes, this is a matter for elected members to decide.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the Co Antrim Lord Lieutenant Mr David McCorkell and a Royal representative will attend formal presentations of the King’s Award in February/March in Lisburn.