A charity that cares for patients with HIV has been given an award from the Queen.

The Crescent, that has been providing support for victims and their families, was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service on September 25.

The award is the highest a voluntary organisation can receive and is the equivalent of an MBE.

Iain Murtagh, head of operations at The Crescent, said: “We are extremely delighted that our work in the community has been recognised by Her Majesty in the year of her 90thbirthday, after we were nominated for the award by the Bishop of St Albans in 2015.

“We were especially pleased to be one of only three organisations in Hertfordshire to receive the prestigious award in Her Majesty’s birthday awards this year.

“Thanks to our dedicated team of staff and volunteers who have overcome unbelievable odds to keep the charity afloat after funding was withdrawn six years ago.

“We wish also to extend our most grateful thanks to the people of St Albans, without whom we would not have survived.”