HEROES who quietly crusaded for their community were endowed with trophies for their neighbourly labours.

City councillor David Henwood concluded months of nominations with an awards ceremony, which hailed nine residents as his 'Cowley Heroes' for their altruistic efforts.

Among them was 80-year-old Rosanne Butler, who Mr Henwood renamed "Mrs Cowley" for her many community hats.

The former arts and English teacher, who inspired generations of children at St James' Primary School in Cowley, said: "I don't think I'm a hero, I do an awful lot of things that normal people do. But I am flattered that somebody bothered to nominate me.

"I adored the kids at school. They were delightful and they still are. I love living in Cowley. Nobody is posh, we are ordinary, caring people who all support one another. I love the people in my street – it is so multicultural, it's brilliant."

She attended the ceremony on Saturday at GreenSquare's new community centre the Venue@Cowley, which was officially opened in Barns Road on the same day by Lord Mayor of Oxford Mohammed Altaf-Khan.

Mrs Butler, a Cowley resident of more than half a century who lives in St Omer Rd, will retire this month as editor of the parish newsletter but will continue to piece together books and lectures about Cowley's history.

Also picking up an award was Lesley Williams for her work supporting the Hill End outdoor centre and for her hours spent volunteering at events like Cowley Carnival.

Organist Brian Tidy, 86, was honoured for his service to the congregation at St James Church in Beauchamp Lane where he has played for 62 years.

Former academic clerk Mr Tidy, who moved to a caravan in Didcot after years living in Cowley, said: "I started off as a chorister then taught myself to play the piano. I started having organ lessons from a young age.

"I just love music, I'm an opera fanatic. There are so many marvellous hymns, old and modern. Last service we did a hymn to the tune of the Flintstones, getting faster and faster. It was brilliant.

"You get to know the congregation, they are marvellous people."

Also honoured for his contribution to Cowley's more traditional music scene was Ken Membury, conductor of the Jubilee Brass Band.

Three Cowley Heroes were recognised for their work at arts centre Ark T in Crowell Road.

Volunteer Carly Axtell, who has dedicated a decade to its cafe, was commended in Mr Henwood's speech for her "huge compassionate heart" and "legendary roast dinners", while resident artist Cait Sweeney was hailed teaching art to troubled children, plus her role editing Cowley News.

Ark T director James Grote – also minister at John Bunyan Baptist Church – was thanked by Mr Henwood for "touching the lives and souls of thousands of Cowley residents" and embracing a "hopeful way of seeing the world".

Other charity masterminds hailed included Fiona Mullins of Our Community Timebank, which allows residents to offer their time for good deeds, and Jane Benyon who was a founding member of Cowley Foodbank.