COMMUNITY champions in Teignmouth were recognised with awards presented by Mayor Iain Palmer.

Fifteen recipients were awarded with certificates for their dedication to help in the local community and to thank them for their hard work.

Cllr Palmer said: ‘I would like to thank all the volunteers who work tirelessly for the benefit of our residents.’

Natalie Bendell, commanding officer of TS Canonteign se cadets for nearly five years, was recognised for her hard work a commitment.

A group award went to the team at Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club for looking after the community defibrillators for the Teign Heartbeat Charity.

They regularly check the units and keep them in working to save lives.

National Coast Watch Institution Teignmouth also received a team award for its group of 70 volunteers who operate 365 days a year, keeping the coastline safe.

Cllr Palmer said: ‘They are heroes whose valuable work goes unnoticed.’

David Leyland was recognised with a community award for his work with many local organisations and for working ‘tirelessly’ to help as many people as he can.

A group award went to the Friends of Eastcliff Park volunteers for their work they work in the park making the Dell and the Rowdens an attractive place to visit.

Roger and Jackie Jackson were recognised with a community award for setting top the Teignmouth Mutual Aid community larder to help residents and for they assistant with shopping, prescriptions and made sure there was someone to talk to.

They were thanked by Teign Aid thank for all their hard work.

Liz Lockyear, who has spent a decade working in the arts in Teignmouth, also received an award.

Liz started the Teignmouth Arts Action Group from a garage before converting it to an arts centre and creating the Teignmouth Arts Quarter as it is now.

Volunteer Janet Oettl was recognised for her work at the Alice Cross Centre.

She is a highly respected member of the team and works in the kitchen at the centre.

Also at the Alice Cross Centre, Pat Henchie received an award for her work to ‘make things happen’.

She makes everyone welcome and works ‘tirelessly’ across all aspects of the centre.

And Alice Cross Centre volunteer Shirley Cook was also recognised for making desserts and serving meals and for being a ‘very valued’ member of the team.

Sophie Copellettie, a volunteer at the Alice Cross Centre, received an award for being ‘cheerful’ and her work serving fish and chips to customers, having learned her skills while working alongside the volunteer chef.

Volunteer cook at the centre Steve Bentley also received an award for his work in the kitchen and serving Christmas Day dinner for more than 70 people.

His ‘can do’ and cheerful attitude was recognised.

Jennay Murray was recognised for her tireless fundraising for many overseas charities, holding cakes sales for organisations including Shelterbox for the Turkey and Syria earthquake appeal for packing and collecting boxes for the Operation Christmas Child shoe box appeal.

Trevor Buffery was recognised for his work helping people in Ukraine.

He raised money, equipment, and medical supplies and personally delivered this to Ukraine on many occasions with another trip due in the next few days.

Cllr Palmer said: ‘He has spent many hours driving thousands of miles to help the people and animals survive.’

A community award was also presented to Sam Lock for her time and work with the community, the environment and improving outdoor spaces having put ‘her heart and soul’ into projects.