SIX Haslemere residents were honoured with special medals to mark their exceptional service to the community.

Haslemere Mayor Malcolm Carter presented the awards at a ceremony following the town council’s annual meeting on Wednesday last week, which was held at Haslemere Museum.

The initiative was instigated by Sir Ray Tindle, proprietor of the Herald, who presented Haslemere with a quantity of medals to be given in recognition of oustanding contributions to the life of the town.

Residents nominate those who they think deserve the awards twice annually and an independent panel considers the names and recommends those thought worthy of such an honour.

The panel chairman, Hamish Donaldson, introduced the candidates before Fay Foster read out the citations. Afterwards, the recipients and their sponsors joined councillors and members of the public to enjoy wine and light refreshments.

The six medals awarded bring the total number presented in Haslemere to 100. This year’s recipients were Linda Donaldson, for more than 30 years of service in numerous capacities; Gunnel Ingham, for 40 years running and helping at Haslemere’s Amnesty International group; Jim Kilby, for volunteering for anything that needs doing in the town; joint recipients David and Alison Rice, for running Haslemere Food Bank since its inception; and Dr Alfred Thomas, for his vision and drive in commissioning and getting Haslemere Health Centre.

Residents can now nominate extra special people for the next awards ceremony to be held on November 12.

Nomination forms are available from Haslemere Town Council, or online at www.haslemere.com/awards.