BURY'S own annual celebration of the individuals who do so much for their community is staged next week.

Once again, the Awards for Voluntary Service in the Community are to be handed out to a handful of dedicated local recipients in recognition of the work that they do for others. This year six separate categories will be recognised.

These are: sport and recreation; cultural; work with children and/or young people; work with older people, those with a disability or socially disadvantaged groups; conserving or improving the environment and support of registered charities.

Bury Council's chief executive Dennis Taylor, who will be master of ceremonies at Monday's star-spangled event to be staged at Bury Town Hall's Elizabethan Suite, said: "The council's achievement awards honour local people who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to the community. "They recognise the efforts of people whose commitment to voluntary work has helped others, improved the environment or generally benefited the quality of local life."

He added: "These individuals are often the borough's unsung heroes and this is their night and a chance for the community in general to celebrate all their achievements."

The presentation of awards will get under way at 8pm with deputy mayor, Councillor Connie Fitzgerald, presenting the sports and recreation award.

Current Mayoress, Mrs Anne Costello, will present the cultural award while Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Wilf Davison will hand over the work with children and/or young people award.

Conservative group leader, Councillor David Higgin, will present the work with older people, those with a disability or socially disadvantaged groups award with council Leader, Councillor Derek Boden, recognising the achievements of the award winner for conserving or improving the environment.

The support of registered charities award will be presented by Bury Mayor, Councillor John Costello.

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