RESIDENTS of Ferryhill who put the life and soul into their town have been rewarded at an annual awards ceremony.

The fourth Ferryhill Good Citizenship Awards event highlighted the efforts of ten of the town's most community-spirited residents.

In a ceremony at St Luke's Parish Centre, last Friday, town mayor Councillor Ron Greenwell presented awards to winners.

The winners of three main awards received certificates, a voucher for a meal for two at the Manor House, in Ferryhill, and engraved glasses.

The following awards were presented:

* Community spirit: Gladys Hall, a volunteer with Mainsforth and District Community Association who has been instrumental in securing funds to transform an old miners' welfare hall into a popular community venue.

* Caring for the environment: Lawrence O'Brien, who is seen most days walking around the Gypsy Lane area voluntarily picking up litter.

* Offering care in the community: Dorothy Mutch, who could not be present, for her support of many family and neighbours as a friend, helping them through illness and driving them to appointments.

The following nominees were highly commended for their hard work and dedication to the community:

* Michelle Pickford - youth co-ordinator of the E-Cafe;

* Ruby Rogers - who rescued her neighbour's pets from a house fire;

* Janet Hall - chairman of the Ferryhill Falcons juvenile jazz band;

* Hilda Allen - a long-serving district nurse;

* Claire Dunn - who has supported her family through tough times and bereavement;

* Dave and Sue Taylor - landlords of the Surtees pub, in Ferryhill Station, which has been refurbished and holds many private and community functions.

Coun Greenwell said: "It was a tremendous event and well supported by people in the community, a sign of how much they appreciate the winners' efforts.

"The council wants people to get involved in the community and it is important to reward those who work hard for local causes and people."

Award organisers Ferryhill 2000 Committee and Ferryhill Town Council thanked everyone who supported the event, including the New Yorkers for providing entertainment, St Luke's Parish Centre, caterer Margery Slater and compere John Smith.