OUTSTANDING members of the community in Witney were celebrated in an annual award ceremony.

Among those honoured was Kelly Hale, named Citizen of the Year for her work managing Madley Park Hall and establishing a Girlguides unit in her part of the town.

Other winners at the event on March 3 included youth mentor Chris Osborn, who picked up the Young Citizen of the Year award, and Trish and Colin Sparrowhawk, who earned certificates of Outstanding Service to the Community for their charity fundraising efforts.

Mum of two Mrs Hale, 35, said of picking up the top prize on the night: “It was a bit embarrassing but it feels really nice to be named Citizen of the Year.

“I don’t really realise what I do. I’m just one of those people. I can’t sit back and not let something happen just because somebody couldn’t be bothered to do it.

“There’s always opportunities for people to get involved in stuff. I couldn’t imagine not doing it. But then I’m just that kind of person that needs to get involved.”

Mrs Hale became the manager of Madley Park Hall when it opened in 2011, and has seen the facility go from strength to strength with dozens of groups meeting in the centre each week and a range of events held throughout the year.

In 2014, she launched the 3rd Girlguides Rainbows group, based at the hall, with Louise Kinchin. The group was established after the existing two Rainbow groups issued an appeal for volunteers because there were more than 50 girls waiting for a place in either group.

She continued: “We’ve had Madley Rainbows for two-and-a-half years now and it’s a lovely group.

“All the girls enjoy coming. We’ve just recently been on a trip to Cadbury World.”

Others commended on the evening included Mr Osborn, who is a mentor and ambassador at Witney-based youth charity Base 33.

David Miles and Dave Harrison were given the Certificate of Outstanding Commitment to Public Service for their work and contribution to the setting up of a replacement bus service for the town.

Trish and Colin Sparrowhawk, who fundraise every year for a number of charities by selling homemade jams, chutneys and pickled onions from outside their home picked up the Certificate of Outstanding Service to the Community.

Jenni Allen, chairwoman of the Windrush Valley Protection Group received the Certificate of Outstanding Service to the Environment.

Town mayor Chris Holliday, who presented the awards, said: “Witney is a town of aspirational and inspirational people. That is what makes it the fantastic place it is to live.

“There is a whole community of people doing what they do and making such a difference to the lives of others. You look at them and you know that it really is all about the people.”

Guests at the event in the Corn Exchange, Market Square, on March 3, were treated to a performance by Springfield Senior Choir before the awards were handed out.