The unique UK national honour – created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation - is the MBE for volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.

The Egypt Centre holds the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in Wales with over 5,000 objects and its volunteer group consists of over 100 members.

It works extensively with schools and the general public and in the citation for this year’s award the Egypt Centre was hailed for ‘providing learning opportunities through hands on activities and engaging with the wider community.’

Syd Howells, Egypt Centre Museum Volunteer Manager said:

“The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the ultimate recognition of the commitment and effort of the Egypt Centre Volunteers. 

“From the very beginning of the museum 20 years ago the importance of involving volunteers was recognised and for them to now receive this award is testament to the impact they have made to not only the Egypt Centre itself, but also the lives of its visitors. We are incredibly proud of them all.”

A group of volunteers from Swansea University's Egypt Centre