THE WINNERS of the 2016 Corsham Town Council Community Awards were honoured last week for their service to the town.

All 12 nominees received a mention and the town's gratitude but four winners - three individuals and one group - walked away with the coveted community accolades.

The first award of the evening went to 84-year-old Eileen Mitchell for her work at Corsham Bowls Club where she was described as an inspiration, helping with coaching new members and as a linchpin of the club.

"To say she is a stalwart when it comes to the club is something of an understatement," said town council chairman Ruth Hopkinson. " When others would be putting their feet up, here we have someone who turns up every Tuesday to help with the coaching of new members, was Lady Captain last year, and still helps with club evenings and social events."

A team of parents behind the Scoop the Poop/Keep Corsham Tidy anti-dog fouling campaign were also recognised for their work in keeping their community on top of this issue.

Their poster competition for youngsters received over 200 entries; they launched a Press campaign; were all over social media, and have worked with both the Town Council and Wiltshire Council to try and improve the town for everyone – and they are still going.

"We are delighted to win this award when there are so many great people in this town helping out. Everyone has been fully behind us. We are relative newcomers so we are all pretty chuffed," said group member Sarah Fishburn.

Next up was Jackie Stanley for her commitment, dedication, role model abilities, leadership and professionalism to Corsham Hockey Club.

"She gives an immense amount of effort and energy to our sporting stars of the future at the club and she has supported it so well," said Mrs Hopkinson

The final award went to 18-year-old Ben Hayday for organising and managing student involvement at Corsham School in all sorts of activities, both in school and in the wider community.

Mrs Hopkinson added: "He selflessly gives up his time and he is a very worthy winner. He has worked with charities, organised trips for his fellow students, and played an integral part in the setting up of the Corsham Youth Zone youth club."

This is the sixth year of Corsham Town Council’s Community Award Scheme which was initiated to celebrate the unsung heroes who help make Corsham a better place.

The first award, nominated by Debbie Keeley and Graham Bowler, is for a lady they describe as an inspiration and the salt of the earth. To say she is a stalwart when it comes to Corsham Bowls Club is something of an understatement.