A DEVELOPER of a holiday park at Crossways was recognised for its contribution to the local community at an awards event in the village.

Habitat First Group, which is in the process of converting the Warmwell Quarry site into a 1,000-home sustainable holiday park, was among the winners at the second annual Crossways Community Awards at the village hall.

Red Paxton and Will Vicary from Habitat First were delighted to pick up the award for supporting the Crossways community from parish council chairman Andrew Brewer.

Other winners on the night included Malcolm Jakes for helping at many community events, Anthony Cooke and Rick Penberthy for sharing RAF Warmwell's history and Roy Dean, Suzanne Shaw and Colin Shaw for organising RAF memorial events.

Don Shaw was recognised for helping he local Scout group, John Manual was honoured for many years of volunteering in the village and Sandra Sedwell claimed the lifetime achievement award.

The Silverlake developers were delighted to be recognised for their efforts in the local community.

Habitat First has vowed to work with the village as it develops the site and also helped save a much valued RAF mural in the local village shop.

Nigel Bundy, vice chair of Crossways Parish Council, was presiding over proceedings at the awards night and praised Habitat First Group for 'setting the benchmark for consultations regarding developments in Crossways'.

He added that he hoped other developers will follow Habitat First Group's example in the future.

Red Paxton, owner of Habitat First Group, said his company was delighted to be recognised for its efforts to engage with and support the local community in Crossways.

He said: "It is such a great honour for Habitat First Group to accept this award and be recognised for our contributions to the Crossways community.

"It is an exciting time for the community and one we are proud to be involved with."

Work to transform the quarry site is well under way.

Although quarrying is not due to cease completely until 2017, Habitat First has taken ownership of 150 acres of the 560-acre site and the first phase of the holiday development is taking shape.

Plans have been set out for the first phase of 31 homes and the first plot of land has been sold, while a sales office has also been set up for potential buyers to come and visit.