Island charity the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award, announced on Sunday, is the highest accolade to be given to volunteer groups across the British Isles.

Chairman Julie Stokes said that the group was ’thrilled but humbled’ to have received the honour.

She said it was a recognition of the tremendous amount of work undertaken by the charity and its achievements over the past seven years.

Formed by cancer patients and friends in 2012, the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group began fundraising the following year to build a dedicated breast/screening Unit at Noble’s Hospital.

Work on the building started in 2014 and the unit opened on February 1, 2016.

Some £2m was raised to achieve this and since the facility opened, a further £1m has been raised.

Fund-raising continues to improve services, including a current £1.5m target to upgrade CT scanners at the hospital.

Mrs Stokes said: ’This is not just an award to the group but to the community of the Isle of Man whose support throughout that period has been nothing less than fantastic. We have experienced the Isle of Man community spirit at its best.

’What we have achieved could not have been accomplished without their unstinting and unwavering support.

’Major trusts, corporates, clubs and societies, community groups and individuals have been with us throughout the journey and each and every donation is valued by us.

’What is most important is that their efforts have resulted in the creation of a Breast Unit equipped to the highest possible standard.’

At every stage the needs of the patient, their families and carers have been paramount.

Mrs Stokes acknowledged the support and encouragement from successive health ministers and the executive and clinical teams at Noble’s.