A number of local volunteers will be recognized at a special awards ceremony today with the Lietenant Governor of Alberta, Lois E. Mitchell.

The Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers is the highest award for volunteers presented in Canada, recognizing exceptional volunteer achievements.

It's an official honour created by the Crown and part of the Canadian Honours System.

A total of 45 recipients will receive the honour, including Bobbi McCoy, Vincent Martin, Beverley Hanes and James A. Bourgoin all of Red Deer, as well as Robert Crites of Penhold and from Wetaskiwin, Berta Briggs, and Barbara and Sidney Furuness.

Nominations for the award were reviewed by an advisory committee that then makes recommendations to the Governor General.

Today's ceremony is set for 10 am in the Edmonton Federal Building's Capital View Room.