The sterling work done by community-conscious Maldon residents has been recognised in two civic awards.

This year's Mayor of Maldon award for service to the community has been given to Elaine Clemence for efforts over 20 years and a special award has been given to Nathan Leclercq for helping with the town's Maldon in Bloom event.

"We were looking for people who had done outstanding public service, with an unselfish approach," said mayor, Peter Nickolls who presented an engraved glass bowl to Mrs Clemence and gift vouchers to Nathan last week.

Mrs Clemence has been fund-raising for various organisations and projects in the town and in the past two years with the help of June Wass and a team of helpers has raised more than £12,000 with jumble sales for St Peter's Hospital.

She said: "We have all done it as a team, I couldn't do it without other people. I enjoy doing it and seeing people getting the benefit from it."

In the past she has also helped raise money for the Essex Cancer Scanner and All Saints School.

Nathan, 19, said he was surprised but honoured to receive the award which he also saw as a team effort.

Mayor's secretary, Barbara Larken said: "Last year he was really helpful in watering all our hanging baskets in the town and came out at 6am in the morning before going to work. Without him the project would have collapsed.

"The mayor felt young people are put down and people say they don't do anything for the community but he was really helpful."

The mayor has also presented £549.03 to Maldon's WRVS - the proceeds of his charity ball. Together with proceeds from a charity concert to mark the opening of the town hall it brings the total donation to £1,000.

The mayor of Maldon Peter Nickolls congratulates Elaine Clemence and Nathan Leclercq.

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