THE cream of the crop of Wokingham residents have been honoured at the annual Civic Award ceremony.

Every year Wokingham Town Council recognises those residents who have made a contribution to their local community, be it through voluntary work, supporting art and culture within the town, or those who are simply a good neighbour.

Recipients were nominated by members of the community before being judged by a selection panel including members of Wokingham Town Council’s Civic Committee and the High Steward of Wokingham, Lady Elizabeth Godsal MBE.

The winners were presented with their awards by Town Mayor Cllr Peter Lucey during a ceremony at the Town hall on Friday, January 26.

Winners on the evening included residents Stan Hetherington, Sheila Bailey, Roger Ilett, Jean Ibbotson, Jack Sulman, and Carole and Chris Barnes, all of whom have contributed towards making Wokingham a better place.

Cllr Lucey said: “Each year it is always wonderful to see that so many people have been nominated for our Civic Awards and read how much work they do within the community fronting charities or organisations or working behind the scenes.”

Chair of the Civic Committee Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson said: “As a Town Councillor as well as a trustee of The Cultural Partnership: more arts, I love attending the Civic Awards. I know most of the recipients but can never fail to be surprised by the number of groups they help, the other activities for which they volunteer. My thanks therefore to those who nominate and read the citations as well as my congratulations to the Civic Award recipients."