A group of volunteer motorcyclists from York have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes were recognised for their life-saving night-time and weekend service, which sees them transport blood and pathology specimen samples; controlled medications; donated breast milk for special care baby units; and other vital supplies for hospitals and hospices throughout Yorkshire - within one hour.

The group provides its service for free.

The King's Award for Voluntary Service, previously the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, equivalent to an MBE.

North Yorkshire manager for the Whiteknights, Andy Richardson, said: "We are the only voluntary blood bike group to receive the award this year.

"Since the creation of our charity in 2008, we have grown to having 60 volunteer bikers - three riders are on duty across the region every day of the year.

"We now respond to over 3,000 call-outs every year, and also participate in national relays with other neighbouring blood bike groups.

"We believe our urgent delivery service saves the NHS £100,000 each year in transport costs."

The Whiteknights' motorcyclists are advanced-qualified.