A football club has been awarded a "prestigious" national honour for its commitment to community service.

AFC Urmston Meadowside (Meds) has received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, often referred to as "the MBE for volunteer groups".

The award recognises "outstanding contributions" by organisations that enhance their communities.

It is "the highest accolade granted to volunteer groups throughout the UK".

The club, founded in 1977, has expanded from a single team to 81 teams, comprising over 1,200 players supported by nearly 235 volunteers.

These include 16 girls’ and women’s teams, a Pan Disability section, and a Youth Forum.

Meds expressed being "extremely honoured and immensely proud" to join the select group of awardees.

The recognition, they said, is a tribute to the "unwavering dedication" of everyone involved in the club's operations, from coaches and managers to admin support and grounds teams.

The club stated: "Receiving the King's Award for Voluntary Service not only shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of our volunteers but also demonstrates the positive impact grassroots football can have on our community."

It hopes this accolade will "inspire more people to volunteer and support the club" as it continues to grow.