7 October 2011 - NCI Folkestone has been presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, now designated as the equivalent of the MBE. The award, originally announced on the Queen's official birthday in June, was presented to Tony Hutt, Station Manager, by the Lord Lieutenant for Kent, Viscount De L'Isle, MBE, accompanied by Lady De L'Isle, in the presence of volunteers, their partners, and numerous national and local dignitaries.

Prior to the presentation, the Lord Lieutenant inspected the station and saw the magnificent view of the Channel which the volunteers enjoy from their lookout.

After the ceremony a buffet was enjoyed, followed by a photograph of the volunteers and the Lord Lieutenant. The presentation took place at the East Cliff Pvilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone, just below the lookout.

NCI Folkestone was formed in 1998 based at Copt Point, and after stints in the former Coastguard station (which subsequently fell into the sea), the top of the spartan Martello Tower and a portacabin, in 2007 after generous support from the public and Shepway District Council, volunteers and local benefactors, the station was moved into the renovated Observation Post.

Situated in the shadow of the Martello Tower on the East Cliff, the former Folkestone East Anti-Aircraft Battery Observation Post has been transformed into the NCI Folkestone lookout. It is manned by some 60 volunteers who help to preserve the safety of mariners and coastal users between Dover and Dungeness every day of the year except Christmas Day.