Bill Wear, Brenda Allen and Tony Goodwin have all been given a pat on the back for giving their time to help other people.

The scheme was introduced three years ago by then-mayor Paul Gittins but it was his wife Carol, the current town leader, dishing out this year's medals and certificates in front of more than 60 people at the town hall.

Mrs Gittins said: "Paul was aware that many people in Bewdley gave freely of their time to help others in many ways.

"As time is the most precious thing anyone can give to others, Paul thought anyone who gave outstanding service to the community of Bewdley should be thanked by the town council by the way of a civic award."

Former St Anne's Middle School head Bill Wear was one of this year's trio of winners. Bill Wear lends a hand to Thumb-a-Lift user Phyllis Powell.

Mr Wear, who is in his 70s, was honoured for "work within the church and with the sick, elderly and housebound people of Bewdley".

He assists with services at St Anne's Church and has helped with the day-to-day running of the church centre for about 10 years.

He also makes four or five trips a week as a volunteer for the Toc H Thumb-a-Lift service, transporting elderly and disabled people.

Mr Wear has also been a member of Bewdley Civic Society for 30 years and is a past chairman.

But many will know him from his time at the school, which he served as head from 1975 to 1991.

"I was an old fashioned headteacher who lived in the community the school was in. It doesn't happen much these days, which I think is a great shame," he said.

"I used to know parents on a professional level and a social level."

Fifty-four-year-old secretary Brenda Allen, who moved to Bewdley from Devon, was highlighted for her service to the Guides movement, with which she has been involved since 1982. Brenda Allen right with her medal and certificate.

She has been leader of the Wribbenhall Guides since 1988 after previously being involved with the Far Forest group.

"They have given me as much as I have given them," she said.

And on a similar note, it was service to the Scout movement that lead to Tony Goodwin's inclusion in this year's scheme. Tony Goodwin below with his civic award medal.

The musician and actor describes himself as "Bewdley born and bred" and says receiving his award was a "proud moment".

Mr Goodwin spent his working life in the town with family firm Goodwin Bros but joined the Scouts as a Cub when he was seven and has completed 60 years' service - barring three years spent in the RAF - at all levels.

The three winners were nominated by the public before being considered by an advisory group and then the full town council.