A volunteer dance group based in Dorset has been recognised for its outstanding work and will be presented with a certificate signed by the Queen.

Steps in Time, a traditional dance group based out of the village of Sutton Waldron in north Dorset, has been honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The award aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities and is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. It is known as the 'MBE for volunteer groups'.

Steps in Time is now in its 30th year and can often be seen around the local area performing traditional dances at festivals and fetes. As well as dancing locally, the group has also performed at the Olympics and Paralympics for London 2012,

The group performs dances mentioned by Thomas Hardy and other dances through history.

Representatives from Steps in Time attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Penny-Jane Swift of Steps in Time said: "It is such an honour that the work Steps in Time do to preserve our heritage and pass it on to new generations has been recognised by our community, county and country.

"We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of all the work done by members of Steps in Time over the years, its dancers, musicians, parents and all those who have supported us with help and donations.

"When Dot Swift, who sadly passed away last year, started the group she didn’t expect it to be still going after 30 years let alone receive this award. Thank you all so much."

Steps in Time is planning a thank you event to coincide with its 30th birthday later this year and will let everyone know the details for this as soon as plans are finalised.

If you would like to help the group with future funding, you can donate to Steps in Time at their page here: http://localgiving.com/stepsintime.

For more information about the group, you can contact them by calling 07988908841 or email info@stepsintime.org.uk.