AN AWARDS ceremony recently went ahead near Bridgwater to recognise locals who have made a difference in their community.

North Petherton Town Council held the Civic Service at St Peter’s Church, North Newton, on October 1.

The Mayor of North Petherton, Councillor Phillip Spencer, welcomed the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr Thomas Mayberry MBE, as well as local neighbouring councillors, and the recipients of the awards.

The Alfred Jewel Awards are presented only to volunteers who have made an impact on the community, and are nominated by local residents.

This year’s recipients were: Jane Anthony, Helen Barham, Janet Bradford, Adrienne Parry and Penny Parker.   The activities that have been involved with include Girl Guiding, Educational Trusts, the local Cricket Club, delivering the church magazine, and school PTAs.

The Mayor said: "It gives me great pleasure to be able to make these awards.

"I am proud of the community spirit that is evident throughout the area covered by the Town Council and that is epitomised by the work of these award recipients.

"The North Petherton area is a vibrant and strong community thanks to the work of these volunteers and others like them, it is humbling to see the efforts they put into their communities."