Six people have been honoured for their outstanding voluntary work to help and serve the community in which they live.

Outgoing Felixstowe mayor Nick Barber presented five Mayor’s Awards, while Charlie Webb received the HMS Ganges Youth Trophy for his hard work supporting youngsters at the Level Two Youth Project and volunteering as a representative at the Suffolk Assembly of Youth.

Those receiving Mayor’s Awards at the town annual meeting, held at Felixstowe Academy, were praised for the vital role they fulfil.

Jane Bolton was awarded hers for her sterling work for the Old Felixstowe Community Association for nearly 20 years, during which she has raised thousands of pounds for the association, while Robert (Bob) Cockburn has supported the Royal British Legion for many years, including being parade marshall for the town and standard bearer for the RAF Association.

Pam Cole was honoured for her dedicated work with the Felixstowe Museum and its volunteers as chairman and more recently as committee member, while Rob Rushen-Smith’s award marked his outstanding contribution to the Felixstowe Scouting Group for over 40 years as well as starting the 8th Felixstowe Scout Group over 25 years ago, and Sue Simmons received hers for running support groups for people living with dementia in Felixstowe.

In addition, Mr Barber presented the Felixstowe Community Award 2018 to the Laydens Community Project for improving the local community by reducing social isolation by providing meals, free confidential health checks, food bank provision, assistance with job searching, British Sign Language courses and much more.

He also announced the first winner of the Visit Felixstowe Tourism Award which went to the Festival of Fabric, following a public vote.

Cheques were also presented to the Mayor’s chosen charities – £17,346 split between Felixstowe Area Community Transport (FACTS); Level Two Youth Project; and Felixstowe & Walton Football Club

Mr Barber said: “It was great to see so many people attend our new style Annual Town Meeting at the Academy, incorporating the Civic Awards and the presentation of cheques to my chosen charities.

Felixstowe has had a brilliant year. Without people like our Civic Award winners and all the nominees, the town would not be the wonderful place we know and love.

My charities were thrilled with the total raised. I must once again thank everyone involved for their efforts and making it such a memorable time for me as your Mayor.”