THE Mayor of West Devon Borough Council, Councillor Jeffrey Moody, has paid tribute to the dedication and community spirit of this year’s Mayoral Award Winners.

The winners in 2018 include community groups, individuals and organisations, all with one thing in common; a genuine desire to improve the lives of others around them.

The Mayor received a high number of deserving nominations for this year’s awards, which are given to local people who improve the lives of others in West Devon.

Cllr Moody recognised the high standard of entrants, saying: “Every year we are taken aback by the wide range of nominations across the Borough, and this year is no exception. I’m truly humbled by how many people are out there, getting to work in their local community for the benefit of others.

“These people really are the backbone of our communities, helping in so many different walks of life, from working with the elderly or disadvantaged, to improving our environment or helping our animals and wildlife. It was a real challenge to pick out just four winners from so many worthy nominees."

He added: “That said, the final winners we have selected are everything we were looking for in our local heroes, and are deserving winners in every sense of the word."

The joint winners in the Over 18 Category were Margaret and Derek Woolacott.  The Woolacott’s were nominated for their work with the "Roving Pictures Scheme" which takes films to village halls in isolated communities. The Woolacott’s are also well-known for their random acts of kindness, and for supporting bereaved individuals.

The Merit in the Over 18 Category goes to Tony Batten who was nominated for his voluntary work in Sourton Parish. Tony looks after both the churchyard and the village hall, as well as keeping an eye on vulnerable people in the village.

The Mayor’s Green Award for 2018 goes to North Tawton Plastics Recycling Volunteer Group. The group, which was set up two years ago, provide a collection point for all types of plastics for residents to use. The volunteers assist in all weathers to help residents to sort their plastic, and as awareness of the dangers of single use plastics continues to spread, the group goes from strength-to-strength.

The Merit in the Green Award category goes to Rebecca Green, who set up "One Okehampton", a not-for-profit organisation whose aims include social inclusion and reduction of loneliness. She was also the driving force behind the establishment of a food club, which gets surplus food from supermarkets being distributed to those in need.

The Organisation Award winner for 2018 is Mrs Valerie Evans. As well as being a full-time carer for her husband, Mrs Evans is the treasurer and enabler for Tavistock Parkinson’s Support Group. She has helped to raise money to fund two exercise groups and has developed a course for those affected by the disease. She has also set up a training event for instructors to gain knowledge of the disease and its effects.

The Merit in the Organisation Award goes to the Trustees of Lifton Community Hall, a dedicated group of volunteers responsible for providing a new community centre in Lifton. They worked tirelessly to raise funds and grants for the exceptional building, and the parish and neighbouring communities will benefit for generations to come.

In addition to the awards above, two groups were recognised for their outstanding contributions to communities in Tavistock and West Devon.

The Lions Club of Tavistock was awarded the Organisation Recognition Award. The Lions have been raising money for community groups and charities in West Devon since 1976, and are responsible for such well-loved annual events as the Fireworks Display, Tree of Lights Display and the Carnival.

A Green Recognition Award was also made to Tidy Tavi, a group of volunteers who have kept the streets in and around Tavistock free from litter since 2011.