The achievements of Valley Veterans, a group of volunteers based in the Rhondda Valley, was celebrated at a ceremony when they were presented with The King's Award for Voluntary Service.
This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
The presentation was made by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan Professor Peter Vaughan CBE QPM CStJ at their weekly breakfast club held in Ton Pentre.
The Lord-Lieutenant presented the group with the award crystal and official certificate, saying:
“The King's award is quite exceptional and this year only 231 were given out. It recognises the millions of people around our country volunteering every day to make a difference in our community.
“For Valley Veterans to receive this award is testament to the difference that it is making – the way that it's developed over the years and the way that it looks after its veterans and the community.
“I couldn't have been more honoured to have been asked to present this award to Paul and the team. On behalf of his Majesty the King congratulates to you all on achieving this wonderful honour.”
Valley Veterans is a veteran-led organisation founded more than 20 years ago by Falklands War veteran Paul Bromwell MBE as an informal support group for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It has grown into a vibrant veteran-led community hub with more than 140 active participants supporting the local Armed Force's community, to aid physical and mental health and wellbeing.
It holds a breakfast club every Thursday, a Wednesday morning paperwork session and daily equine and horticultural activities on nearby land.
Founder and CEO Paul Bromwell MBE said:
“We are delighted to have been presented with this award and are very grateful to all our supporters and partner organisations that work closely with us. What an achievement this is for everyone involved – thank you very much.”
Valley Veterans was one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award in 2025.
The King's Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen's Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.
