A CELEBRATION of community heroes was held in a West Dorset village.

The first Crossways Community Awards presentation was held at the village hall to recognise unsung heroes and say thank you to those people and groups that have made an outstanding contribution to community life in Crossways.

More than 40 people attended the event, with chairman of Crossways Parish Council Andrew Brewer presenting each winner with a framed certificate marking their achievement.

Citations were also read out for each winner.

Chair of the judging panel district councillor Teresa Seall said: “The nominations were many and varied and were for outstanding contributions to the life of the Crossways community by people who were providing a service or just quietly helping others.

“It’s so important that these people are recognised and shown appreciation.”

Those receiving certificates were Margaret Bartholomew, Mary Brewer, Dave Cheffey, Nigel Hill, Bob and Marion Light, Ben Ling, Elaine and Peter Stenning, the Bridge Community Magazine volunteers, the Crossways Library volunteers and Stella Wilson. The final certificate was kept a secret until the last minute and presented to Cllr Brewer by Cllr Seall.