THE POOLE-based charity Friends of Dolphin has received the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Founded in 1979, the charity takes people with disabilities for trips around Poole Harbour on its boat, Dolphin III.

More than 45,000 people have enjoyed the trips in the past 37 years, which are offered free as the charity relies entirely on donations.

Friends of Dolphin chairman Ray Kipling, who described the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service as the "MBE for charities" added "We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way. It is a reflection of many years of hard work by hundreds of volunteers who have brought happiness to all our passengers."

Dolphin III takes a wide range of people including children, elderly people and people with visual and physical disabilities.

While most of the passengers are from Dorset and Hampshire, they have taken people out on Poole Harbour from Scotland, the Midlands and the West Country.

However, it hasn't all been plain sailing recently.

Mr Kipling explained: "Last year we had to buy new engines for Dolphin, which put a dent in our finances, so we are looking for more help with fundraising.

"Our biggest regular costs are fuel and maintenance, as everybody in the charity is a volunteer so there are no staff costs or overheads."

The Friends of Dolphin was started by Parkstone Rotary Club in 1979, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Rotary International the following year.

In 1982 it became a separate charity

The charity's vice chairman Bob Irwin said: "Dolphin has given a great service now for some 37 years particularly for those in wheelchairs with their carers who are unable to enjoy Poole Harbour on the normal ferry boats.

"Next year we anticipate that we will reach a total of 50,000 such passengers."