15953/3DEVIZES Town Council has recognised the unsung heroes of the community. Each year the council presents awards to residents nominated by parishioners for either their service to people or work for the environment.

Mayor Margaret Taylor said no-one exemplified the unsung hero, the kind person who helps her neighbours and befriends people who are down on their luck, more than Gloria Bennet.

Mrs Bennet works closely with Kennet Action for Single Homeless (KASH) but she spends a great deal of time visiting neighbours and friends and lending a hand where it is necessary.

Mrs Bennet said: "I am here because I am a Christian. I believe that God wants us to love our neighbours. If Jesus came back today, he would go straight round to KASH."

Another committed Christian who received an award for his work in the community was the Rev John Goodman, the former chaplain of the Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion, who spent 14 years ministering to former servicemen and their families in the area.

He said: "When I retired from being a parish priest in 1988 one thing that I missed was the daily round of visiting. I have loved doing the work for the RBL but, although old soldiers never die, I am not called on as often as I was ten years ago."

"If you want a job done, ask a busy person," said Coun Taylor. "No-one personifies that as much as Valerie Hessey, who cooks meals for pensioners at the Crown Centre, does the flower arranging in St James' Church and is an active member of Devizes Townswomen's Guild."

Pauline Hawkins, another recipient, is also a selfless servant of the community, especially as a member of the Devizes in Bloom organising committee. She has recently retired from taking photographs of the floral displays.

Jeff Matthews, the current chairman of the Devizes branch of the Royal British Legion, received his civic award for organising annual visits to the European battlefields in which the Wiltshire Regiment fought. He has done this for the past 26 years.

Stephen Brazier, chairman of the Devizes Festival committee for a number of years, paid tribute to his committee members, sponsors and punters after he received his award. Dave Buxton, past chairman of Devizes Carnival, received his award for organising the first Christmas Festival last year. He was praised for his extremely energetic and effective leadership.