AN awards ceremony has recognised the efforts and talents of residents who help make their town a better place to live and work.

The Ferryhill in Bloom, Art and Photography and Citizenship Awards night was held at the Free Mason’s Lodge on Tuesday.

Mayor David Farry presented awards, certificates and prizes to the winners.

Councillor Farry hailed the event a successful celebration of different aspects of the community.

He said: “The awards show just some of the people of Ferryhill who are committed to making the place a better environment for residents, to support and attract businesses and a nice place to visit and live.”

Organiser Ferryhill Town Council thanked Thinford Nurseries for providing gift voucher prizes for the In Bloom winners, Mr Higginbottom for donating a prize and the Free Mason’s Lodge for providing an excellent venue.

In the citizenship awards, a special trophy went to Les Heaviside who has clocked up 50 years of voluntary work with football teams in the town.

Steph Bowron, Claire Metcalfe and Janet McDonagh won for their contributions to the community– including at the clothes and food banks based at St Luke’s Church Hall.

And Baz Porritt was rewarded for his service to the governing body of Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College, which has included him sharing his financial expertise to project manage recent developments.

The winner of the art competition was Moveen Savage and Eddie Serrell won the photography contest.

Ferryhill in Bloom and Allotment winners included: front garden, Mr and Mrs Higginbottom; back garden, Mr and Mrs Gargett; back yard, Mrs Dixon; commercial premises, The LADDER Centre; New entrant- front garden, Mrs Heathcote; new entrant- back garden, Mrs Rowcroft; best overall allotment site, Mainsforth Row; best plot, Mr A Pybus.

Cllr Farry said: "Ferryhill Celtic has long been the premier club in the town, if you are good you want to play for them.

"Les has put in years for the club– he has played, coached, managed, held every role– which is amazing."