Community members in Malmesbury have been celebrated at an awards ceremony hosted by the town council.

A popular health visitor, charity groups, local firemen and former councillors were among those recognised in the annual awards to celebrate those who are devoted to the community and contribute in various guises.

Long serving health visitor Thelma Burgess, who could not attend due to a family bereavement, was awarded Citizen of the Year title.

She is described by the many who nominated her as someone who ‘works tirelessly with the young mums in Malmesbury’.

Neil Muttock, who launched Malmesbury Acoustic Sessions in the town transforming the town’s regular live music scene, received a big cheer at the town council offices on Tuesday night after he was announced as runner-up to the award.

“I’m absolutely chuffed,” he said. “Over the last three years there’s definitely more music in Malmesbury, but that’s not to say it is because of Malmesbury Acoustic Session, but I am very happy to be part of it.”

The winners of the Paul Dove Community Group of the Year Award is the Athelstan Museum Council, followed closely by fellow nominees Malmesbury fire crew, Malmesbury Neighbour-hood Steering Group and Heals editorial team.

After failing to receive any nominations for the Young Citizen of the Year Award in 2013, this year three teenagers were put forward.

Among them was Callum Walker who won overall, and who also picked up a cheque for £100 from The Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds, which jointly offered the award.

He was nominated for his commitment to the local cub scouts, explorer scouts, Malmesbury Music Academy and Malmesbury Carnival.

“He’s a young man that Malmesbury should be very proud of,” said Coun Sue Poole, who presented him with the John Poole Cup, named in memory of her late husband – a former town mayor.