THE special contributions of Alcester residents were recently celebrated at the town’s civic awards evening.

As well as prizes for the best kept allotments, Alcester mayor councillor Andrew Foster presented awards for young person, organisation and citizen of the year.

This year residents were asked to nominate those that they thought made a significant and positive impact on Alcester life.

The award for young person 2018 went to Edward Sumners who was nominated by the mayor’s chosen charity Warwickshire Young Carers in recognition of his caring for a member of his family who has dementia.

Organisation of the year was awarded to the Arrow Action Group for its 20 year plus commitment to caring for local people with learning disabilities while citizen of the year was presented to local Community First Responder, Mike Dean for his tireless work a volunteer Community First Responder and also his support for a large number of local organisations.

On presenting the awards, Mayor Foster said: "The annual Civic Awards Evening is a personal highlight. This year was particularly special as I had the privilege of presenting awards to some outstanding individuals.

Following his award for citizen of the year Mike Dean said: "It is only when one reviews past recipients of this prestigious recognition, that it's true value is revealed.

"As Community First Responders, my colleagues and I feel privileged to have been trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to serve our community as we do.

"It also gives me great satisfaction to perform other community roles including chairman of Alcester Academy Governors which is currently one of the 15 most improved schools in the country and for the first time is oversubscribed by potential new entrants."

Mayor Foster added: "Mike works tirelessly as a Community First Responder and has come to the aid of so many people, attending in excess of 300 emergency 999 calls every year.

"Many local organisations also benefit from Mike’s time, knowledge and expertise. This award is our way of saying thank you to Mike for everything he has done and continues to do."