TWO unsung heroes from Wellington were set to be honoured last night (Tuesday) in this year’s Citizenship Awards, hosted by Somerset West and Taunton Council with local Rotary Clubs.

Jenny Dilley, the key volunteer for Walk Well in Wellington, and Candice Thompson-Gardiner, of the Christmas Sparkle Project, received awards.

Eleven entries were received in the annual Citizenship Awards open to individuals and voluntary groups who make a difference to people living in the community.

The panel of judges, led by Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Catherine Herbert, selected three winners – Jenny Dilley, the Christmas Sparkle Project and Hazel Reed.

They were set to be presented with their awards at a ceremony at the Cooper Associates County Ground and each receive a donation of £100 to make to a charity of their choice.

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

Jenny Dilley has been the key volunteer for Walk Well in Wellington since its launch over eight years ago following the success of the Taunton programme set up to encourage residents to take part in walks across the borough.

Jenny has given many hours supporting the group and its volunteers, leading the walks, discovering new routes and assessing risks. Four walks a week are now held in the Wellington area.

Jenny set up a lunch group giving walkers an additional opportunity to meet outside of the walks for lunch, and longer ‘days out’ where she encourages lift sharing to ensure everyone can attend.

Jenny is also responsible, along with other volunteers, for the extensive social calendar which includes trips to the theatre and cinema, curry nights and skittles matches.

Jenny chose the charity Plan International to receive her £100 donation.

The Christmas Sparkle Project aims to give local children living in difficult circumstances a present from Santa on Christmas Day.

The charity is run by Candice Thompson-Gardiner of Wellington and Gillian Harrison of Taunton, who work with schools and other agencies which support families in need.

They all collect new gifts which are wrapped and delivered to more than 1,000 children and young people every year.

Collection points are also available in Wellington and Taunton so members of the public can donate too.

The Christmas Sparkle Project has nominated The Samaritans to receive its winning donation.

Cllr Herbert, said: “The Citizenship Awards give well deserved recognition to the groups and individuals who do such outstanding voluntary work in our community.

“They devote so much of their time and energy to a high number of causes. It’s an honour to learn about the work they do which is appreciated by so many. I would like to thank them all for their enthusiasm and dedication.”

Hazel Reed from Taunton is known by many for her voluntary care of the elderly – giving car rides, and looking after their gardens and pets.

She has been the piano accompanist for Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir for 16 years and regularly visits sick members to carry out kind deeds.

Hazel is a voluntary worker at lunches organised by the Salvation Army and is Captain of the Neroche Hand Bell Ringers who perform at local care homes and community group meetings.

She also plays the piano at Taunton Baptist Church and Musgrove Park Hospital for the Sunday morning services. Hazel’s nominated charity is the Taunton Team Chaplaincy.