UNSUNG community heroes in Alcester were recognised during a special ceremony.

The first ever ‘Celebrating Alcester’ awards, presented by Mayor Clive Neal-Sturgess, were held at the Jubilee Centre in St Faith's Road on Friday, January 15.

The awards, which were set up by members of the council, aim to thank those who have given their time and energy to benefit the town.

Pamela Norman received the lifetime achievement award for services to the Alcester community.

Mrs Norman, who moved to Alcester in 1955, ran a children’s Sunday school and youth club, and was chairman of Alcester’s Royal British Legion committee.

After discovering plans to demolish the Malt Mill Lane cottages, she alongside her husband Denis, set up Alcester Civic Society with aim of saving them for renovation.

They managed to save the cottages and today they are a hugely popular attraction, with the street recently being named regional best in a Sunday People newspaper competition.

The society, which works to preserve and enhance the town, is now more than 50 years old.

David Malin, who is a special inspector at Warwickshire Police, won an award for services to the community.

During his time with the police, he has received various decorations including two Queens Jubilee Medals – silver and diamond.

Mr Malin continues to work with local officers and produces weekly crime reports for the local safer neighbourhood teams.

In 1993, Mr Malin joined the British Legion becoming branch secretary in 2000 and Poppy Appeal organiser in 2012.

Kath Peachy also won an award for services to the community for supporting Alcester and Ragley Park Cricket Club over the last 10 years.

Mrs Peachy makes refreshments, ensures the pavilion is cleaned, assists with the bar and generates club funds by running the 49 club.

Former Mayor Yvonne Hine, who served on Alcester Town Council for seven years, received a thank you in particular for her work at the Jubilee Centre.

The centre has become a hub of activity for the town providing a home to many clubs and organisations.

Mrs Hine withdrew from the council last year.

Former councillor Nina Knapman, who served 12 years on Alcester Town Council and eight on Warwickshire County Council, was also thanked.

Mrs Knapman spearheaded many environmental schemes in the town and was the Alcester Town Council environment champion.

Town Mayor Clive Neal-Sturgess said: "Alcester has such a great sense of community and I wanted to show the council’s appreciation and support to the many people of the town who volunteer their time each year.

"Alcester is a thriving market town, where businesses’ and volunteer organisations work together to ensure that the vibrancy and the community spirit continues to grow and develop through the many challenges all small towns in the UK continue to face."