INDIVIDUALS in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield have been recognised for their achievements and contribution to the community.

At the Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Annual Town Meeting, awards were presented by Mayor Sheila Brooke to those who are making a difference.

Citizen of the Year award went to Linda Pewsey who supports a number of initiatives including the Community Fridge and Social Supermarket.

She accepted her award after the audience was told that she was ‘making a real practical difference to the people of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield’.

In addition to her roles with the Community Fridge and Social Supermarket, Lynne is an allotment holder and helped the town win Gold at last year’s South West in Bloom awards.

She has also taught swimming, volunteered at the Dartmoor Hub Community Kitchen, helped at carnival events, marshalled at the Food Festival and taken part in Great Big Green Week.

‘You do so much for others, you must take time to look after yourself,’ said Cllr Brooke.

Another presentation on the night went to Marion Edwards who, for the second year running, was named Honorary Representative of the Lord of the Manor of Bovey Tracey.

‘You have served our community so well that we’d like you to stay in office for another year,’ said Cllr Brooke.

The meeting also heard a presentation from Susie Honnor of Climate Action Bovey and Heathfield who outlined many of the ecological challenges that her group and Bovey Tracey Town Council were attempting to address.

Cllr Brooke delivered the annual Mayor’s Report highlighting achievements and challenges, which had included improving security at public open spaces, and renewing future commitments such as improving services for residents in Heathfield.

Young Citizen of the Year went to 10-year-old Willow, a pupil at St Catherine’s C of E Primary School.

She presented with the junior title after a judging panel, including Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke, was told that she is always putting her community first.

In addition to serving as a mental health ambassador at school, she has completed two four-mile walks in aid of the Miscarriage Association.

She also bakes for school fundraisers, supports Allergy UK, is a keen sportswoman and an active member of The Boys’ Brigade, laying the wreath at last year’s Remembrance Day ceremony.

Her nomination for the award came from the Brigade’s Dani Monahan.

At the Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Annual Town Meeting, the audience was told: ‘She was specially nominated for the wreath-laying and she did it with real respect, she was amazing.’

Those present at the event, held at The Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey, heard she is heavily involved in Boys’ Brigade and school entertainments and is always determined to do her best.

Mum Kelsey said: ‘I’m very proud, very proud. It’s only when Dani mentioned it that we realised just how much Willow and her friends do for the community.’