VOLUNTEERS who have worked tirelessly for the community are to receive civic awards from Devizes Town Council.

Among the recipients are volunteers at Drews Pond Wood, the nature reserve next to the former Roundway Hospital.

Project co-ordinator Stuart Hislop nominated them for the environmental award and said: “They are totally invaluable, we wouldn’t be able to manage the wood without the volunteers. They help with tree planting, coppicing and maintenance.”

He said 19 volunteers would receive awards but wished to pass on his thanks to past volunteers.

David and Ann Lovelock, of Bath Road, are to receive an award for service to the people for their efforts in getting a Guide centre built for girls all over Devizes.

Guides and their families raised around £200,000 over nine years and the centre opened at Coate last October.

Mrs Lovelock, who was district commissioner, raised £12,000 by selling her own jams, marmalades and chutneys and Mr Lovelock drew up the plans for the centre and installed the kitchen himself.

Mrs Lovelock, who is chairman of the building fund, said: “It was very hard work to raise the money but we wanted a centre where all the guide groups could meet rather than them meeting at different places in Devizes.”

Ollie Dickson is to receive an award for service to the people for volunteering at Devizes Budo Club for the past 14 years.

Mrs Dickson, of Sarum Drive, is at the club in Dunkirk Hill three nights a week to collect members’ fees, arranging competition entries and organising the food at the annual tournament.

Mrs Dickson said: “I got involved when my children went to the club and I enjoy watching the children progress. It’s a nice family atmosphere.”

Also receiving a service to the people award is Devizes pensioner Jean Stevens. She has been a volunteer with Devizes Amateur Swimming Club for 36 years, first teaching at the open air pool in Rotherstone and now at Devizes Leisure Centre.

Mrs Stevens, who still swims herself, said: “I got involved when I took my two sons swimming and I enjoy teaching.”

Another winner is Francis Wakem, of The Fairway, Devizes, who steered Victim Support Wiltshire out of financial crisis when he became chairman in 1998.

He has raised more than £27,900 in the past 11 months. It has helped support 13,800 victims of crime, of which 510 live in Devizes.

Mr Wakem, a retired police chief superintendent, said: “I would like to dedicate it to the staff and volunteers at Victim Support for the tremendous support that they given to the community.”

The recipients will be presented with their awards tonight at the town hall. Mayor Jane Burton will present an award to Devizes School U19 basketball team.They won the division two individual schools championship in the England Schools Basketball