UNSUNG heroes helping communities across East Dorset have been celebrated at a special awards ceremony.

Among the winners was Jean Mortimer, who was presented with the lifetime achievement award in recognition of her community work in Alderholt at the East Dorset Community Chairman’s Awards 2019 on Thursday, February 21.

She has been a stalwart in the community, volunteering and raising money for local groups including the Scouts and Guides, playgroup and the village hall, which she is a trustee of.

Jean said: “I was quite amazed really.”

“I feel very honoured,” she added. “It was a lovely surprise.”

Husband and wife Edward and Gilda Newsham, who are from Ringwood, were presented with the adult volunteer of the year award for their work with Avon Valley Dementia Pals and Avon Valley Dementia Support, which takes people with dementia out for a walk and refreshments.

Edward said: “We are both delighted. It is nice the award was given to the two of us.”

He said: “Not just getting nominated but to actually get the award that was the other surprising thing. There were a lot of very worthy people put up for the award. When I heard our name called I was flabbergasted. I was stuck for words.”

The pair also helped to set up Art Dementia New Forest, which runs three art groups for people with dementia in Lymington , Milford on Sea and Ringwood.

He says it is a “privilege” to be able to help dementia sufferers get out and about.

Gilda, who received an MBE in 2010 for her work with dementia charities said the nomination came “out of the blue”, adding: “It is very nice to be recognised. There are a lot of others, we are not on our own. You are only as good as the team you work with.”

She said the award recognised everyone at Avon Valley Dementia Pals and Avon Valley Dementia Support.

Shelley Morris was awarded the chairman’s special commendation for her work with homeless people throughout Dorset and her work revitalising Verwood Carnival.

Norman Jones for Alderholt Village Hall and the village’s Recreate Festival was nominated in the best community project category, which was won by East Dorset CAP Debt Centre.

Each nominee across five categories received certificates, and the winners of each category were presented with an engraved glass trophy.

Cllr Toni Coombs, the chairman of East Dorset District Council, said: “There are so many unsung heroes in our community who do their bit to support and help others, often without recognition or reward. It has been inspiring to meet the nominees and learn about the diverse ways they influenced or helped their local communities across East Dorset, in my view they are all winners.”

The ceremony held at Remedy Oak Golf Course was the last Community Chairman’s Awards before the formation of the new Dorset Council on April 1.