CREDITON and it's surrounding district has, as it's long been known, a fantastic community spirit.

Think back through last year; Jubilee celebrations, Summer fetes, all of the sporting clubs and their activities, floral displays, Village Fun Days, to name just a few.

Throughout the town and the villages that make up this particular part of Mid-Devon there is always a story to be heard about a groups activities, organisations getting things done, various fund raising projects for an abundance of causes.

At the heart of these things are the individuals that drive them to fruition. The person who makes the phone calls, draws up the rota's, delegates the work to be done so that the rest can happen.

Crediton Tesco and the Crediton Courier would like to recognise these people, offer a "Thank You" on your behalf and give them a small reward so that they know that the work they have done, the hours that they have committed – normally at their own cost and in their own time – is appreciated, valued and remembered by you.

The Crediton Community Hero Award has been created by Crediton Tesco and the Crediton Courier to recognise those within our community that you think deserve a big "Thank You".

This may be someone that runs a youth group, someone who does an enormous amount for local charities or someone who is making a positive difference to the Crediton community.

The Award's are presented as part of a surprise visit to the winners home/work or at the organisation of which they are a part.

Andrew Drayton, Community Champion at Crediton Tesco, said of the award: "I am very fortunate that I am paid to do the job that I do.

"Working with groups and organisations throughout Crediton and the surrounding District; helping raise funds, working with schools, reading with differing groups the list is endless.

"It struck me last year that many of the people that I come into contact with run groups, organise events, do great work within their communities and it is all done in their own time and sometimes at their own cost."

He went on: "I thought it would be a nice idea to recognise these people and, in some small way, allow those that benefit from their actions to say 'thank you' and show their appreciation.

I approached Alan Quick, the Editorial Manager at the Crediton Courier with the idea and, working together, we would like the people of Crediton and area to nominate those that they think deserve some recognition."

Alan added: "Please come forward with your suggestions of people who could qualify for the Crediton Community Hero Award.

"An email address has been set up for you to nominate anyone who you think deserves a 'Thank You'.

"It may be someone who gives up their time for the benefit of others, is very active in raising money for specific or multiple charities, or even someone whose job is to provide a community benefit who goes that extra mile."

The Crediton Courier and Crediton Tesco would like you to email: [email protected]">[email protected] and let us know who you would like to nominate, what organisation they are involved with, a description of what it is that they do and why they should receive a Crediton Community Hero Award.

We will also need your contact details so that we can get in touch to arrange the surprise visit.

It is hoped that an Award will be presented on a regular basis and now all we ask is for a large number of nominees and some great stories of who is out there making a difference to the lives of people in and around Crediton.

Margaret the first award winner

THE first recipient of a Crediton Community Hero Award in the initiative started by Crediton Tesco and the Crediton Courier is Margaret Phillips of Sandford.

Andrew Drayton, Crediton Tesco Community Champion attended a meeting of Sandford Spirits, formerly known as the Sandford branch of the Women's Institute, to make the surprise award.

He congratulated Margaret (76) on all the voluntary work she does in the community, which has included a great deal of fundraising for various charities.

Margaret knits Easter chicks and Christmas decorations in aid of charity, most recently cancer-care charity, FORCE, makes collections for an annual shoe box appeal for the Samaritans Purse Charity and also runs the Sandford 200 Club in aid of St Swithun's Church and Sandford Cricket Club.

She is adept at running raffles and helping behind many stalls and is highly regarded in the community for her work and jovial spirit.