COMMUNITY heroes have been congratulated by Wellington Town Council for their efforts in helping to make the area a better place in which to live and work.

Recipients of the annual community awards – organised by the council – were presented with their trophies and certificates by Cllr Janet Lloyd during the monthly council meeting.

Four awards are given each year as the council looks to celebrate the work of individuals and groups in the town who have all gone that extra mile to make a difference to the Wellington community.

Steve Saunders received the civic award in recognition of his tireless work with a number of groups to improve Wellington and his participation in the Green Corridor planting this past winter.

Mr Saunders does a lot of work with the volunteer group at the Basins nature reserve and he also provides a monthly update to the town council’s environment committee about footpaths in the area and work in keeping them clear and problem-free for people.

He was a very popular winner of the civic award when it was announced by the council’s chief executive Dave Farrow.

The community award was presented to the Friends of Wellington Park group for its ongoing work organising successful events in the park throughout the year.

Leah Spanswick received the youth award for her volunteer work at the Wellington Baptist Church’s Warm Space initiative despite being a young carer herself.

The business award was won by Nook and Cranny in recognition of its contribution to the local community through supporting micro-businesses, organising the Wellington Independent Markets, and caring over the years for the late Elvis the cat.

Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd said: “Thank you to all our winners and anybody who was nominated.

“We have a great community here in Wellington and we look forward to continuing to highlight our local heroes.”