The Lightbox, a museum and gallery set up and run by a group of volunteers, has been given the Prime Minister's Big Society Award.

Located in Woking, Surrey, the attraction is staffed by more than 150 volunteers and runs an education and outreach service focused on history and the arts which sees community groups and schools work with professional artists in the centre's purpose-built Education Studio.

The local community raised more than £7m to develop The Lightbox cultural centre through charitable events ranging from golf days and sponsored walks to auctions.

Announcing the award, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I recently met volunteers from The Lightbox and saw first-hand the dedication and passion they have shown to make their museum and gallery a reality.

"The Lightbox shows what the Big Society is in so many ways; from volunteers giving their time and expertise, to winning the support of the whole community for their plan, to generating millions of pounds in donations to make it work. Even now more than 150 volunteers are putting in their time to provide this service to others in the community.

"It just shows what people can do when they work together - it really is a fantastic achievement and I wish them every success for the future."

In 2008, The Lightbox was awarded the prestigious Art Fund Prize, which netted the charity £100,000.

Designed by Marks Barfield Architects, who designed the London Eye, the museum and art gallery is the end result of a 15-year campaign by a group of locals.