A coastwatch station in Barry has received the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Volunteers at the National Coastwatch station NCI Nell’s Point have received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), which is the equivalent of an MBE.

NCI Nell’s Point is one of 60 stations around the coastline of England and Wales from which volunteers keep a daily visual and VHF radio watch for anyone in difficulties as part of the charity’s mission to help save lives around the coast.

Volunteers watch the coastline to spot people in troubleVolunteers watch the coastline to spot people in trouble (Image: National Coastwatch)

Nell’s Point station manager, Trevor Saunders, said: "We are both honoured and delighted to receive this award, which reflects not only on the dedication of our wonderful team of watchkeepers but also on the lifesaving work we do as an organisation.

"Our crew of over 50 watchkeepers do a remarkable job and make a significant contribution to public safety on a popular and busy part of the coast."

There are nine stations in Wales operated by the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

NCI Nell’s Point has been in operation since 2007, and has sweeping views across the Bristol Channel from its headland location.

The Somerset and Devon coastlines are in view as well as the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm.

The NCI is run entirely by its 2,800 volunteers.

Stephen Hand, NCI’s chairperson, added: "It’s a source of great pride for all of us at NCI that NCI Nell’s Point has joined an ever-growing number of our stations to be selected to receive the King’s Award and before that, the Queen’s Award.

The station has been in operation since 2007The station has been in operation since 2007 (Image: National Coastwatch)

"Many congratulations to everyone at Nell’s Point and to the local community for their support."

Representatives of NCI Nell’s Point will receive the KAVS crystal and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan early in 2025.

In addition, two volunteers representing the crew of Nell’s Point will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June next year, along with other recipients of this year’s award.