INDIVIDUALS, clubs and organisations who over the past year have worked hard for the benefit of the Tidworth community as a whole, received recognition last week from the Tidworth Development Trust.

The trust held its annual Community Awards presentation when certificates and trophies were awarded by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, John Bush, to a host of nominees.

The ceremony was held in the Collingbourne Kingston village hall last Wednesday evening.

Awards went to the following, in no particular order of merit:

Ludgershall Community Centre for its Friday morning activities aimed at people of all ages; Norman Bowden, nominated by the Castle practice staff for his support to patients living in Shipton Bellinger; Egypt Squadron 2 RTR, for its sponsored charity event raising money for a German boy and the Tidworth Development Trust.

Garrison theatre manager, Tony Pickernell for his organisation of military band concerts and his family's long association with the Tidworth community; the Chute Link Scheme, run by volunteers to help the elderly and infirm; John Burden, in recognition of his outstanding service to Chute over many years.

Ludgershall Whist and Bingo Club for its organisation of events throughout the year; Jane Crook, for her support for the arts in the Collingbournes; Lucknow Band, for its involvement in many community events; 38 Headquarters Squadron 26 Engineers, for organising the highly successful Bonfire Night Celebrations last year.

Anthony Foster, a Salvation Army officer in Tidworth, for his untiring work for people of all ages in the community; Sue Foster, the inspiration behind the JAM club, which meets weekly at the Garrison church hall; Chelsea's Wheels, for their sponsored hike up Snowdon to buy a new electric wheelchair for Chelsea Bloomfield; Collingbourne & Everleigh Link Scheme, launched last year which provides a lifeline to local services.

Sergeant Dave O'Callaghan, families' officer for 1 Cheshire Regiment, for the support of families during the regiment's deployment in Iraq; Kevin Butler, assistant cub scout leader of the First Tidworth Scouts for his commitment; Margaret Hughes and Staff Sgt Donna price, for their fundraising for the Queen Elizabeth Medical Health Centre; Brenda Bale, for her work to secure a play park for Knapp Hill in Collingbourne Ducis.

Rodney Haverson, for his involvement with the Courier since it first appeared in 1993 which now circulates to over 700 households; Sergeant Mark Udale, leader of the crime reduction unit of 158 Provo Company, RMP, for his work in the community; RLC Stores Section, 6 Bn REME for its voluntary work throughout the community.

Neil Haskins, for his work with youth clubs in Tidworth and Ludgershall; Connie Patrickson, youth worker with the Guides, Brownies among many groups she is involved with; Clarendon infants school for raising funds for local and national causes; Phil Burton for her work and dedication to the Early Years Assessment Centre.

Several volunteers at the Ashdown Family Centre were honoured for their commitment including Sue Benson, who also works with the Tidworth Community Link Scheme, Gail Jordan, who trains and helps new volunteers, Doris Bennett, for her many years of service.

Chernobyl Children Lifeline with Joan Parsonage and Baie Heelas, leaders of the Andover link for the group; the Poppies Daycare Nursery for its fundraising efforts.

Shields were also presented for outstanding services and these were awarded to Joan Parsonage and Baie Heelas, the Lucknow Band, Tony Pickernell and Rodney Haverson.

A special award was presented to Mike Parker, who until recently worked for Wiltshire county council as economic regeneration manager and has been involved with Tidworth since the early 1990s.