RECOGNITION has been given to two volunteers for ‘exceptional’ commitment to the conservation of wildlife in Cumbria.

Sue Shiels, from Burneside, and Bryan Yorke, from Carnforth, were both awarded Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Badgers’ Paw Awards at a ceremony at the local charity’s members’ conference on Friday.

Mrs Shiels was honoured for her long-standing commitment to the Kendal Support Group and her recording of the wildlife around Burneside and Mr Yorke for his work recording the wildlife of Hutton Roof Crags Nature Reserve, near Burton-in-Kendal.

Anne Powell, chairman of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and director Peter Bullard presented the 2015 awards at Newton Rigg College, Penrith. Since 1991, 131 Badger’s Paw Awards have been presented to volunteers across the county.

Peter Bullard said: “The Badger’s Paw Award publicly recognises and acknowledges these people for their outstanding commitment to wildlife.

“All volunteers are highly appreciated by Cumbria Wildlife Trust across our many areas of work, from working on nature reserves, to helping with one-off projects like planting up a hay meadow, or by surveying and collating data in the office.

“This year’s winners have generously donated their skills for many years in order to help wildlife for the benefit of all of us.”