CARNFORTH has honoured its citizens by recognising those among its residents who have selflessly helped others in the community during the first phase of the pandemic.

The Westmorland Gazette: HONOURED: Town honours its Covid heroes HONOURED: Town honours its Covid heroes

Carnforth Town Council held a virtual ceremony to honour the recipients of the Carnforth Citizen of Merit Award on January 14.

More than 40 winners attended the virtual meeting and were thanked on behalf of the Town Council and by Town Mayor, Kath Bromilow M.B.E.

The Westmorland Gazette: NOMINATED: Liam Law and Andrea Wren, organisers of the Carnforth Covid Support Group were nominated NOMINATED: Liam Law and Andrea Wren, organisers of the Carnforth Covid Support Group were nominated

94 people were nominated, and many were volunteers or key workers.

Liam Law and Andrea Wren, founder members of the Carnforth Covid 19 Local Volunteer Group - both of whom received the Award, and gave thanks to the Town Council, their fellow volunteers and all of the other organisations that had come into creation in response to the virus.

The night saw all 94 of the Citizen of Merit winners being named and their individual Certificates of Merit displayed on screen.

The award had originally been suggested by Town Councillor, Jim Grisenthwaite.

Jim said: “During a period of great stress and worry and no little hardship for many, Carnforth proved itself not only to be a strong and caring community but also a resourceful community that is ready to meet challenges head on.

“We should be proud that the first thoughts of so many people in this Town were ‘How can I help others”.

The Westmorland Gazette: CELEBRATE: Liam and Carol Law were both nominated CELEBRATE: Liam and Carol Law were both nominated

Mayor Bromilow said: “Tonight has been one of the highlights of my two years as Mayor of our wonderful town.

“The countless, selfless acts of kindness undertaken by volunteers, partners, Emergency Services, NHS and agencies in the Carnforth Community and surrounding areas throughout the pandemic has been heroic.

“Carnforth has an amazing community spirit, and this continues to strengthen. The Town Council works tirelessly to support our local community and has done so particularly through these challenging times backed by our strong links and good relationships with the Officers and Councillors of Lancaster City Council for which we are immensely grateful”.

The Westmorland Gazette: NAMED: Volunteers and Key workes nominated for Citizens of Merit Award NAMED: Volunteers and Key workes nominated for Citizens of Merit Award