STALWARTS of the community were rewarded for their persistent hard work in helping the elderly, disabled and young people, and contributing to the life of a seaside town.

STALWARTS of the community were rewarded for their persistent hard work in helping the elderly, disabled and young people, and contributing to the life of a seaside town.

Six people received Felixstowe Mayor's Awards to mark their outstanding work, while the Felixstowe Army Cadets received the HMS Ganges Youth Trophy.

Mayor Ann Rodwell presented the awards, praising those receiving them for their hard work and giving so generously and unselfishly as volunteers to help others.

There were many people working in the community in this way and it was lovely to be able to reward some of them.

Those receiving the Mayor's Award were:

Jane Bolton, of Wentworth Drive, Old Felixstowe - described as a “human dynamo”, she has raised tens of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of good causes, including the Felixstowe coast patrol boat, Heathside Special School, League of Friends of Felixstowe Hospitals, FACTS bus, girl guides, and Air Ambulance.

Isabel Jenkins, of Surrey Road, Felixstowe - worked tirelessly as a volunteer for Mencap for 35 years, running groups for people with learning disabilities and as a welfare visitor and holiday organiser for the society.

Pam Thwaites, of St Andrew's Road, Felixstowe - a member of the fundraising committee for Felixstowe Air Training Corps for more than 30 years, and has given a life-time of service to the Girl Guides, still helping with St John's Brownies and fundraising for the new HQ, plus working for the Red Cross charity shop, and The Hut.

David and Gill Williams, of Kendal Green, Old Felixstowe - volunteers with Meals on Wheels, providing transport for hospital visits, gardening and doing car maintenance for the elderly, looking after neighbours' pets and homes when they are away, and helping people in any way they can.

Stuart Ashworth, of St George's Road, Old Felixstowe - for running his business the Felixstowe Town Crier advertising and newssheet, helping to promote clubs and organisations in the town.

The Army Cadets were praised for their work in the community and the role they play in the town. A certificate of commendation was also presented to Kyle Seeley, of the Level Two youth centre.

Mrs Rodwell also presented the £3,535 proceeds from her charity ball to Felixstowe Old People's Welfare Association for The Hut, a seafront centre which provides days out for the disabled, infirm and elderly.

“The value of The Hut cannot be underestimated. Virtually every day between Easter and mid October coach loads of visitors use it for their day outing, and for many of those people in nursing care or elderly persons in residential homes, this may be the only time in the year that they have a chance to enjoy a day out at the seaside,” she said.

Pay your tributes to the award winners - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk