|PIC1|MPs and Peers have named The Salvation Army the Best Social, Welfare or Religious Charity for the second consecutive year.

The honour was presented at the ComRes 2009 Charity Awards, run by polling and research consultancy CommunicateResearch Ltd, in a ceremony at the House of Commons on Monday.

Now in their second year, the ComRes Awards recognise campaigning charities that lead their field in communicating with parliamentarians. Having won the Best Social, Welfare or Religious category in 2008, The Salvation Army again received the most unprompted nominations from the independent awards panel of 275 MPs and 175 Peers.

Former cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken, who presented a certificate to Head of Marketing and Fundraising Julius Wolff-Ingham, praised the “excellent work” of The Salvation Army he had seen first hand and spoke of its “surprising modernity” and “great impact in society”.

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Commander for the UK with the Republic of Ireland, Commissioner John Matear, said: “We are delighted and honoured to once again receive this prestigious award and express our gratitude to parliamentarians for recognising our work in this particular way.

"I take this opportunity to thank all Salvation Army personnel for their continued dedication. I confirm our ongoing commitment to work and communicate with parliament on those matters of common concern relating to the betterment of individuals and communities throughout our nation.”