Dedicated community members young and old from Bury St Edmunds were celebrated at a special ceremony this week.

Judges of the town council organised St Edmund’s Day awards said they faced a hard decision between the six candidates for the adult award, eventually settling for two winners.

Suzy Clifford, Suffolk group leader for a bereavement by suicide charity, and Ron Day who has worked for the Royal British Legion for 55 years, were both commended for their outstanding work in the community.

Speaking at the ceremony at the town council’s offices on Angel Hill, chairman Stefan Oliver said: “Suzy has used her personal experience to help others in a similar position. She has set up local support groups for the national organisation ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’ (SoBS).

“Ron has been a hard working member of the Bury St Edmunds branch of the Royal British Legion for some 55 years.

“During this time he has played a large part in raising thousands of pounds for the Legion each year, particularly during the annual Poppy Appeal and has been involved in the ceremonies of Remembrance at the various war memorials in the town.” Mrs Clifford, who founded the Suffolk group after her husband killed himself in 2009, said: “It is just wonderful that SoBS’ hard work is being recognised.

“People say death is difficult to talk about but survivors of suicide can find it even harder – it is a very different bereavement.

“To have the recognition of the town council just raises the profile of our work.”

The Young Citizen’s Award was contested by 10 groups and individuals, including winner Laurence Chappel, 12, who was nominated for caring for his mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

Father Colin, of Clay Road, said: “I don’t know how he fits it all in.

“I am really proud, very, very proud of him. He cares for his mother and is a member of several clubs.”