Volunteers' efforts hailed

Local volunteers were recognised this week for their invaluable contributions to Suffolk communities over the last year.The seventh annual Mid Suffolk Community Achievement Awards were at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket to give out awards to 48 people whose unpaid work makes life easier for many in villages all over the district.

Local volunteers were recognised this week for their invaluable contributions to Suffolk communities over the last year.

The seventh annual Mid Suffolk Community Achievement Awards were at the Cedars Hotel in Stowmarket to give out awards to 48 people whose unpaid work makes life easier for many in villages all over the district.

Sara Michell, chairman of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: 'These awards give us the opportunity to say thank you to someone in the local community who deserves recognition and praise for their efforts.'

'Without their selfless dedication, our quality of life would be much diminished.'

Those given awards include Peter and Kay Lucas of Gislingham, Donna Nevitt, Albert Driver, Daphne Culley and Ronald Orves of Redgrave, Pauline and Lloyd Smith of Yaxley, Gordon Lawrence and Joan Norman of Rickinghall, Gordon Marshall, Merlin Channon and Jim Stovell of Eye, Helena Sharp of Botesdale, Richard Pell of Burgate and Robert Turner of Harleston.

The awards are open to anyone who works on a voluntary basis on community projects in the Mid Suffolk District, on projects such as fundraising work, campaigning for improved local services or providing a long-term service to the community.