TAUNTON Deane's unsung heroes were honoured at a Citizenship Awards ceremony in conjunction with local Rotary clubs at the Cooper Associates County Ground, in Taunton.

The evening honoured individuals and voluntary groups nominated for making a difference to people living in our community.

Everyone who received a nomination was invited to attend and collect a certificate.

The winners each received a glass trophy and a donation of £100 for a charity of their choice presented by Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey.

THE WINNERS:

  • Clement Pryer, for cleaning, serving the chalice at communion, setting up services and helping with coffee mornings, book sales and with the parish magazine. He also assists at the Open Door homeless charity, Bishop's Hull Flower Show, taking gifts with the NSPCC to Halcon and giving talks to schools.
  • The Friends of Wellington Park, who support the park, promote its use and preserve its historical heritage with a May Day event and Sunday afternoon summer concerts. They upgrade equipment and liaise with the council's parks department.
  • Mike Newberry, a street pastor and leader of daytime patrols in Halcon. A volunteer member of Taunton Team Chaplaincy, he is also a chaplain at the hospital and with Open Door and Taunton Association for the Homeless. He recently joined the Rail Responder team to engage with people considering suicide or self harm on or near the railway.
  • Vera Cottey-Williams, who helps the elderly or housebound in West Hatch. She always puts others first and fundraises for the church, organising an annual plant sale, coffee mornings, cream teas and bric a brac sales. She helps at the monthly Benefice lunch and carries out some churchwarden duties. She runs tea and chat afternoon for the elderly and lonely.
  • Conquest Centre Volunteers, a team of 106 registered volunteers who help provide around 250 activity horse-related sessions a week for people with disabilities and additional needs.