LEDBURY'S finest and best were celebrated and honoured with community awards at last week's annual town meeting.

The nominated Ledbury residents were all called up for trophies and applause at the meeting, which took place in the Community Hall.

Peter Arscott received an award for being a long standing volunteer in the Ledbury community. He has been a volunteer community driver and he was instrumental in the founding of Ledbury Youth First and Ledbury Poetry Festival.

He is currently President of the Festival, which is in its 21st Year and has national and international acclaim.

Mary Every received an award for being "fully involved in Ledbury Life for the past sixteen years."

In presenting the award, Cllr Keith Francis said: "She has spent many hours baking bread and cakes for the Ledbury Community Market and until recently she managed the market. She is involved in the Ledbury and District Civic Society; she is a sitter at Butcher Row Museum, helps with the Burgage Hall and volunteers for Ledbury in Bloom.

"She is so typical of the people we have in this town who give so freely of their time."

The youth achievement award went to Joe Kirkwood, "who has been a member of the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadets for six years."

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker said: "He has thrived as a member despite being challenged by dyslexia at school. He is now a Colour Sergeant in the Cadet Rifles Regiment and spends a great deal of time teaching and mentoring new recruits."

Steve Onions received an award "for worked tirelessly for Ledbury Swifts, Eastnor Cricket Club, Ledbury and Strömstad Twinning Association for many years".

The Swifts received another award on the night for helping to foster enduring friendship between Ledbury and the Swedish twin town of Stromstad.

Town crier, Bill "The Bell" Turberfield received an award, and a portrait of himself in full regalia, for being Town Crier for over ten years and providing "outstanding loyal and dedicated service to the town". Mr Turberfield will retire from the position later this year.

Mr Turberfield said: "Without the guidance and encouragement of Ledbury Town Council and my wife I would never have been able to carry out my duties, not just here, but abroad."