Hardworking volunteers who give their lives to serve their communities have been honoured with special awards.

Ipswich Star: HMS Ganges Youth Trophy winners Addicted to Dance - left to right, Kirsty O'Connor, Holly Ditcher, Sophie Greer, Sophie Spencer, Emily O'Connor.HMS Ganges Youth Trophy winners Addicted to Dance - left to right, Kirsty O'Connor, Holly Ditcher, Sophie Greer, Sophie Spencer, Emily O'Connor. (Image: Archant)

Mayor of Felixstowe Mike Deacon presented six Mayor’s Awards to individuals to mark a wide variety of outstanding community work across many decades.

He said they were the heartbeat of the community and their dedication was phenomenal, and it was their hard work – and that of many others across the resort – which kept the town’s voluntary organisations, vital services, clubs and societies ticking.

Mr Deacon said: “The work these volunteers do is tremendous.

“They give up their spare time to help others and to work for our town, organising events, campaigning and providing services and more.

“It was an incredibly hard decision to pick six winners when we had so many strong nominations – there were so many others equally as good.

“Without our volunteers, the town would grind to a standstill.”

The town council also presented a shield for an outstanding organisation – the winners this year Felixstowe Carnival Association.

Certificates of merit were also awarded to Art on the Prom and Sanctuary Housing.