Hard work and dedication have been celebrated in Royston as three people were commended by the mayor for their services to the community at the annual town meeting.

Mayor Sarah Dingley presented Community Service Awards to the three individuals who were nominated by the public.

The late Peter Burt received a posthumous award in recognition of his work as a town and district councillor. It was collected by his wife Rosemary.

Mrs Dingley said: “We are always really pleased to support these awards.

“And for Peter to get an award was really poignant. He was on the town council for nearly 30 years and on the district council for almost 20.

“He was a really good man, when I first came into the council he was there to help.

“There was a great sadness that he couldn’t collect the award himself. He was a great person. ”

Roysia Middle School Slimming World consultant Lesley Thornally-Grey was presented an award in recognition of her services to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Royston, and it was said that ‘her dedication to everyone she encounters is inspirational’.

Lesley said: “I’m over the moon to have been presented this award.

“I know what it’s like to have a weight issues – but I now have a healthy figure, a fabulous job and lots of great friends in the members.

“I’m very lucky and I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I want to thank everyone who nominated me.”

Linda Turner was delighted to be presented with an award in recognition of her hard work for businesses and the community as founder of Royston Open Secrets.

She said: “The last eight years organising Royston Open Secrets have been hard work but great fun.

“However, without the help of the volunteer committee, both past and present, the events would not have been so successful.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to the various sponsors, exhibitors and those who have supported the event over the years. Finally, I would also like to say a special thank you to Toby Snowdon and the staff at The Heath Sports Centre.”

Cheques were also handed out to organisations who applied for funding through the Mayor’s Community Trust Fund.