WEYMOUTH and Portland paid tribute to its volunteers, carers and leaders at a special award ceremony.

The 2010 Good Citizens award acknowledges unsung heroes – people who make a difference in their community.

All nominees were put forward by people in the borough towards the end of last year.

A panel of four judges, comprising the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Anne Kenwood, Coun Pamela Nixon, Coun Joy Stanley and the borough council’s community services officer Joan Bishop, selected the final eight.

Coun Kenwood said: “We are so lucky in Weymouth and Portland that we have so many people who help and volunteer. This is what community is. If we don’t help everyone becomes fragmented.”

She added: “There’s nothing better than helping someone out.”

The awards included a category for under-18s.

Award winners were invited to a presentation at the mayor’s parlour where they received a certificate.

David Golding n Born in Weymouth, David has lived on Portland since 1954. He set up the Islanders Boys Club, now called the Islanders Club for Young People, and ran it with his wife for more than 40 years. Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Anne Kenwood said: “It is a great achievement.”

She added: “There is nowhere for a lot of the kids but down hill, so Mr Golding has done wonderful work.”

On receiving the award David said he was ‘very pleased’.

Joan Heslop nJoan, of Radipole, Weymouth, was praised for her volunteering work over 40 years with the Girl Guide movement in Weymouth.

She also spent an additional 10 years working with Guide troops in Hertfordshire and Durham before moving to Weymouth.

Coun Anne Kenwood praised the work of the Guide movement for their work with young people.

Natasha Lund nThe youngest award winner was Natasha Lund, 16, who received the award for Good Citizens from younger generations.

Natasha, who attends The Wey Valley School, received the award for the work she does with West Dorset and Wey Valley School gym clubs. She was praised by Coun Anne Kenwood for being an outstanding role model for young people.

Natasha, of Upwey, said: “It will help to show what’s out there for young people and help to keep them off the streets.”

Natasha is now helping out at the YMCA in Dorchester and has started to judge gym activities like the vault and tumbling.

Pamela Hutchens nPamela, of Weymouth, received her award for 50 years service to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Mrs Hutchens has raised thousands of pounds for the appeal through door-to-door collections.

Pamela, whose uncle died while serving in the Second World War, said: “They held a memorial service in the church and I remember the bugler playing the Last Post and it made an impression on me as a child.”

Pamela’s son joined the RAF and he was posted to Ascension Island during the Falklands War although the war ended before they were sent across.

Pamela said: “The older people come to me because it was their relatives and they support the Legion. and young people can identify with the appeal.”

David Nelmes nBoxing has been part of David Nelmes’s family for generations, with his grandfather, father and brother Gordon all involved.

Between the four of them they have been boxing for 200 years.

David Nelmes received his award for his work with the Weymouth Boxing Club, which was set up by his father in the 1930s and moved to its Hardwick Street headquarters in 1951, where it has been ever since.

David said: “There are lots of good lads about but they get a bad press.

“If we give good press to the good lads it will encourage others.”

Peter Olner nVolunteer Peter Olner received his award for his work with the Salvation Army and his dedication to those who are less fortunate in the community.

Coun Anne Kenwood praised the work Peter had done especially with young people and young offenders. She said: “Mr Olner has always done lots for other people.”

Cynthia Riggs nCynthia, of Weymouth, was praised for her work volunteering with the Waterside Community Forum, for helping in the Weldmar charity shop, the Park Community Centre and as the secretary for the Over-50s Club.

Coun Anne Kenwood said: “The community forum does so much good. It’s a lifeline.”

Mrs Riggs said: “I like the area I live in and wanted to do something for it and give something back.”

Jacqueline Carpenter nThe final recipient of the award was Jacqueline Carpenter who is the chairwoman and volunteer for the Island Community Action group, who was unable to attend the event.

Coun Anne Kenwood said: “She has worked extremely hard and I will make sure she gets her certificate. The work she has done is very needed.”

The group has been running since 1999 and organises projects such as the community car which takes elderly residents to the shops.

Jacqueline said: “It’s not really about me it’s about all of us. We are really lucky with the number of people we have that help.”