TWO unsung heroes from the Wellington area have been honoured in this year’s Citizenship Awards hosted by Taunton Deane Borough Council and local Rotary Clubs.

Susan Bellringer, who has fostered 250 children and runs Rockwell Green Recreational and Leisure Club, and Madeleine Rose, who has served the community in Wellington for many years through her catering skills, were among the four winners.

The panel of judges, led by Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams, selected the winners from 28 entries in the annual awards open to individuals and voluntary groups who make a difference to people living in the community.

The winners received their awards at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Wednesday and a donation of £100 will be made to a charity of their choice each.

Cllr Stock-Williams said: “So many people benefit from the work of volunteers who devote their time and energy into making Taunton Deane a special place to live.

“The Citizenship Awards give much-deserved recognition to the groups and individuals who do outstanding voluntary work in our community.

“Every single one of those nominated could have been worthy winner and deserve our sincere thanks.”

Susan Bellringer provides a three-course lunch at the ‘Wednesday Club’ at the village hall in Rockwell Green. Participants are picked up by minibus and taken to the club where they also enjoy tea and biscuits, entertainment and keep fit.

Susan is an active member of Wellington and District Twinning Association, always helping at events and willing to host visitors from France and Germany.

She is a volunteer at the toy library and runs a whist drive at West Buckland raising money for Children’s Hospice South West and Wednesday Club.

Susan has recently joined the WI where she is already a committee member. She is also now fundraising for a £4,000 mattress for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice in memory of her daughter.

Madeleine Rose has provided cooking lessons for Knightstone tenants, meals for the elderly and meals for young people across Wellington. She also provides lunch for One Team meetings every Thursday.

Madeleine and her husband Colin can be seen at many community events serving refreshments in all weathers. Her work through the Besom charity has also provided crisis food boxes over the last eight years to vulnerable and needy families, sometimes at a moment’s notice, and she will voluntarily do follow-up visits to see how families are.

Her work with the Christian Centre in Rockwell Green includes providing coffee mornings and meals for ‘messy church’ at the school.

Madeleine has the trust and admiration of professionals throughout the social and caring services in Wellington and beyond.