THE great and the good of Bromyard have been recognised for their contribution to the town in this year’s distinguished citizens awards.

The annual awards, which are organised by Bromyard and Winslow Town Council, recognise volunteers who give up their free time for the benefit of the town.

John and Sylvia Silver, who run the Falcon Hotel, received their award for contributing to the vitality of the town in many ways such as sponsoring events to writing and producing plays at the town’s Conquest Theatre.

Town crier Peder Nielsen, who recently won the European Guild of Town Criers championships, was recognised for his promotion of the town by organising the Bromyard International Festival of Town Criers and other duties. Mary Seldon was decorated for her roles in producing the monthly Off the Record magazine, chairing the Bromyard and District Local History Society and organising the annual Herefordshire Marmalade Festival.

David Kemp, the assistant head at the town’s Queen Elizabeth Humanities College, received recognition for organising trips and events for pupils, as well as raising thousands of pounds for the repair of the organ at St Peter’s Church.

The church’s organist, Carol Broadhead, was also honoured for many years of performing and helping the fund-raising efforts.

Betty Whiteley was acknowledged for the time she has given to Bromyard in Bloom, especially in the gardens around the Old Vicarage complex and the twinning garden in St Peter’s churchyard.

She was also recognised for her role with the twinning association.

Brian Hall, Bromyard Town Junior Football Club’s under-11s coach, received the award for his service over the last five years, despite suffering from ill-health.

Lawrence Hall was honoured in the junior award for providing lighting at many of the Conquest Theatre’s shows.

The awards will be presented at a lunch at the Falcon Hotel on Sunday, September 23.

A number of people were also honoured in the civic pride awards including Alan Clark, Chris Watkins, Sally Freckle, Barbara Dukes and Hannah Shakespeare.

Queen Elizabeth Humanities College’s headteacher Mike Goodman and Stuart Diplock completed the list.

They will receive their awards on Saturday, September 8.