TWO stalwarts of Otley’s community have become the first winners of a new award.

The inaugural Town Council Awards for Public Service were presented by Town Mayor Mary Vickers at the Stew and Oyster on Monday, December 17.

The council has launched the awards to recognise individuals who have contributed to the town but are not eligible for Honorary Citizenship - such as past and current councillors. And it was two former councillors, John Eveleigh and Lawrence Ross, who were named as the first recipients.

Council Chair Ray Georgeson paid tribute to both men. Of Mr Eveleigh, he said: “For several decades, as well as serving as a town councillor, John has been a church elder alongside his roles in various community organisations.

“He has helped run wide-ranging campaigns working alongside community partners and statutory bodies, and many people will remember their experiences of working alongside him.

“John helped found Otley Action for Older People which he chaired for many years, leading it to become a valuable community asset. He also helped create Otley Town Partnership and was a long-standing director.

“His commitment and loyalty to causes, colleagues, and those he has so enthusiastically represented has helped create a legacy of community development that continues to benefit the town.”

Mr Ross, meanwhile, has been an Otley Town Partnership Director since 2002 and recently helped co-ordinate Otley’s celebrations for Thomas Chippendale’s 300th anniversary. He has also been heavily involved in promoting Otley and played a key role in its preparations for the 2014 Tour de France.

Councillor Georgeson said: “As a mainstay of the partnership, Lawrence has attended meetings to assist with ideas, decisions, and simply lending a helping hand.

“Since his retirement he has remained an active member of its Transport and Business groups, devoting even more time and regularly helping at their Otley Farmers’ Market stall.

“For many years he managed the Facebook page for their coordination group, and has spent years managing the Visit Otley website. We are very pleased to be able to recognise him for all his hard work over many years.”

The evening was also a chance for Otley’s team of Ambassadors to get together and some, including Jen Birch and Greg Mulholland, teamed up with other musicians to perform live.

Teenage singer Emeli Mumford also performed while ambassador Chloe Tear gave an inspirational speech and Town Poet Matthew Hedley Stoppard read his new piece of verse about Otley.