COMMUNITY spirit was at an all-time high in Malmesbury last night, as the town celebrated the cream of its crop.

Scores turned out to support this year’s annual Malmesbury Civic Awards, hosted by Malmesbury mayor, councillor John Gundry, at the town hall.

The event recognised those in the community that had gone the extra mile to make Malmesbury a better place.

Voted for by the town council, there were winners in three categories: citizen of the year, young citizen of the year and community group of the year.

This year’s Citizen of the Year Award was won by Neil Muttock, one of the main organisers of the town’s Boondocks music festival, whose team were also nominated for the Community Group of the Year Award.

Speaking after the awards he said: “I’m delighted to have won. I have to admit the Citizen of the Year Award is great to win but most of the stuff I do is impossible to do on my own, so it’s definitely a team award for me.

“Nights like this are vital for Malmesbury, there aren’t enough towns that do this kind of thing.

“Malmesbury is a really lovely, close community and people put in a lot of effort. I think it’s really important that is recognised.”

The Young Citizen of the Year Award – and the John Poole Cup, in memory of the former town councillor – was award to year-11 pupil Rosie Dicks, who studies at Malmesbury School.

Rosie diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2014 but has shown bravery and selflessness by committing her time to fundraise for cancer charity CLIC Sargent ever since.

She was nominated by her headteacher Tim Gilson and Mrs Allaway from Malmesbury School, who said: “[Rosie] has a very positive attitude and huge inner strength and fundraises for a charity that supports young people with cancer.

“Her energy and determination astound the school and she is an inspiration to all.”

Speaking about Rosie, Cllr Gundry said: “In her own right she is setting a stunning example for people suffering illness and difficult in the town.”

The Community Group of the Year Award – which carries with it the Paul Dove Trophy – was presented to the team behind Movies at Malmesbury.

The team have hosted more than 400 screenings in the past four years and sold more than 16,000 tickets.

Their nomination from Jacqueline Tong and Julia Bowen said: “Entertainment, educational and arts screenings provide a focal point for people across the community to meet and share an experience in a friendly and local setting.”

After the awards were presented to the winners and certificates to nominees, attendees mingled and talked about all things Malmesbury.

Speaking after the event Cllr Gundry said: “It is a pleasure to recognise sustained contribution to the community, which is one of the distinctive things about Malmesbury.

“There have been superb nominees this year as ever. It’s always difficult to choose, everyone has done great work across a whole range of things.

“It’s important we do something to help the community spirit, to recognise contribution and achievement.

“We feel there is something we can do and we have these awards to recognise and applaud contribution to the community.”

Full list on this year’s Citizen of the Year Award nominees:

NEIL MUTTOCK

“Neil has provided outstanding leadership in Malmesbury's music scene through the Boondocks Festival, the Malmesbury Acoustic Sessions and the Long Players, providing entertainment for hundreds of the young and not so young in the community.”

ALISON CROSS-JONES

“As General Manager of HEALS, Alison has cheerfully helped many vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the community. She also established the 'Malmesbury Now and Then" Facebook page.”

ANGELINE JONES

“Angeline organises soup kitchens, helps with the Monday Club and Food Bank, supports the Osteoporosis Society and helps many people in the Town in a practical and unobtrusive way.”

SHEENA MACBRAYNE

“Sheena is very active at Glovers Court, principally assisting and advising other residents and organising outings. She also tends the garden there which has won prizes.”

IONA PINCHIS

“Iona is very active in fund-raising, organising activities, outings and lunches for residents at Glovers Court. She "gets them out of their rooms". She also helps Hudson Road residents and with the Monday Club.”

LISA TWEEDIE

“Lisa spends many hours running the "Make Malmesbury Even Better" Facebook page. She supports nearly every event in Malmesbury and is a special person.”