TWO people from Bradford on Avon have been recognised for their commitment to the town and been presented with the council's Shining Light award.

This year's award celebrates contributions to the community by outstanding individuals, nominated by the public.

The adult award was this year presented to Pip Maguire, who has spent many years volunteering and raising money for charities both at home and abroad.

She also learnt sign language and has since delivered training to local schools.

Pip has been running the Friday morning Little Fishes toddler group at the Youth and Community centre for over 20 years and has touched many families with her kindness.

On nominee said: "“This lady is a blessing to our community.

"She made me and my children feel we belonged here over 16 years ago and was there for me years later when my partner died suddenly.

"She genuinely cares about people and is naturally compassionate.

"Pip is a kind, caring, giving person who deserves to be recognised for all she has done in Bradford on Avon.”

Another said: “She is always the first to help anyone in need – from popping round for a quiet chat, through to organising meal drops for those unable to get out.

"All in all she is a modern day hero."

The winner of the youth category was Ellie Davies who has volunteered her own time to help stop climate change.

Ellie attended the first Climate Emergency Steering Group meeting hosted by the town council in August and was inspired by a talk about bees and the implications of biodiversity loss on them and other pollinating insects.

Following on from this, Ellie took upon herself to organise a bee hotel project and talk for her guide troop.

Enlisting the help of her Great Uncle, Ellie had several pollinator hotel cases made, which were put up around the town.

Both Pip and Ellie were presented with their shining light certificates and hampers last week by the Mayor, Cllr Simon McNeill-Ritchie, and were given trophies at the Christmas light switch-on on.