COMMUNITY champions from the Vale of White Horse area have been rewarded for their commitment to helping others living in the district.

More than 35 local community group members and individual volunteers were nominated to attend an award ceremony by Margaret Crick, chair of Vale of White Horse District Council.

People from across the district attended a lunch and received a certificate and trophy as a token of Mrs Crick’s gratitude.

Awards were given to the community group Farcycle that helps people of all ages in Faringdon to learn how to cycle safely, and Fiona Bartholomew was thanked for her involvement with the restoration of St Mary’s Church in Buckland.

Lyn Williamson from Faringdon Farcycles said: “The whole event was uplifting, and heart-warming and we felt very privileged to be invited. It was lovely to meet the other award recipients, share experiences on our community work and exchange ideas on new projects.”

Fiona Bartholomew said: “I had a wonderful time and felt tremendously proud to be amongst an incredible group of community-minded people who give so much in so many diverse ways.”

Among others awarded were Tim Hutchinson from West Hendred for the ‘Not Just a Beer Festival’, Abingdon Parkrun Volunteers and Gillian Cox from Kennington.

Next year’s nominations for the Vale community awards are now open.

Anyone can nominate a community group or individual that volunteers by emailing karen.dodd@southandvale.gov.uk