All round success is rewarded at Wem mayor's awards

The first ever mayor's awards in Wem have been hailed a huge success. Local heroes were honoured in a 'tremendous' night at the town hall.

Double Special Olympics medal winner, Jenny Turner of Bazeley Way, was given a special recognition award. The 34 year-old table tennis star, who has Down's Syndrome, won bronze and silver medals in the sport for Great Britain at the 2011 Special Olympics in Athens.

Mayor Edward Towers said the evening bought the community together.

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He said: "It was a tremendous night, a wonderful community atmosphere with representatives from many sections of town life.

"Some wonderful 'unsung heroes' were recognised, from the very young to those who have served the town well over many years."

Rachel Turnbull, was named local hero and Tim Griffiths and Elsie Griffiths were given the Honorary Townsperson Award for the work they do in the church, Red Cross, Christian Aid and Poppy Appeal.

The couple have been recognised at Buckingham Palace and Mrs Griffiths has been given a top Royal British Legion award for Poppy Appeal collections.

Also presented with engraved trophies were Alfie Turner, Katie Laffey and Katie Edwards, all given Child of Courage awards.

Katie Laffey and Katie Edwards both have hearing disabilities but continue to achieve in sport, landing a place in the Shropshire County hockey squad and a place to tour with the England Girls respectively.

Alfie Turner has been extremely ill for the past 10 weeks but has continued to do his school work, the St Peter's School pupil has been described as 'a perfect example of a super student.'

Norman and Edie Jones were named good neighbours and the Big Heart Award went to John Roberts, the volunteer behind the town's Stage Door, a project involving over 50 children every Saturday morning.

From the Thomas Adams School, Malcolm Brown was given the School Staff member award and Mrs Jo Jones was handed the accolade from St Peter's Primary.