Lytchett and Upton Town Council says it is fortunate to have a pool of public-spirited volunteers who give freely of their time, energy and expertise for the benefit of the wider community.
But their work often goes unnoticed, under the radar and is not always appreciated.
However, they were very much under the spotlight at the Volunteer Celebration Evening in Dorchester last month at a well-attended county-wide event organised by the Dorset Volunteer Centre.

It not only rewarded them but helped to put the town firmly on the map with a slew of awards.
A citation was read out for each, either individuals or groups, followed by the award of a special certificate and, in one instance, the only trophy of the evening.
This was presented to the town council for the work done by its employees over and beyond their paid duties outside office hours.

Also honoured were:
Upton in Bloom (Annual Horticultural Show, Annual Schools Poetry Competition, 5 Gold Awards in South and South East in Bloom)
Friends of Upton Library (Talks Programme; twice monthly coffee morning and assisting the librarians)
Cllr S McKell (Collecting prescriptions, repairing equipment, Easter Egg
Cllr B Pipe (delivering 600 cream teas and 80 Christmas presents)
Upton Together (during the lockdown, running a food bank)
Sarah Fudge (Initiating and hosting the original Ukraine Appeal. Work with
Lewis Dean Estate and for the Army Cadet Force
Agents

Congratulations to all concerned and those other individuals and organisations who likewise help to create such a vibrant community.