COMMITTED residents have been rewarded for their dedication to Egremont at a town council awards ceremony.

Homeless hostel Calderwood House was presented with the Good Citizen award while allotment owners were recognised for the quality of their plots.

There was a special certificate presented to Nelson Shepherd, who maintains the council's jubilee garden and cemetery, for his tireless work to secure a prestigious Cumbria in Bloom award.

Calderwood House was chosen as 2016's winner in recognition of its volunteering activities in the town since it opened in September last year.

Speaking at the meeting, council chairwoman Lena Hogg said: "Some people didn't want to see the winners of this award in this town but you have proved them all wrong. You are a credit to Calderwood House and a credit to Egremont."

And Terry O'Connell, the chair of governors at Calderwood House, said: "These lads are a really good example of what we set out to do and hopefully we can carry on.

"If you want anything done in the town and you think we can help, let us know."

In the allotment competition, Callum Scott came first at Sandholes with Barry Caine second and Greg Butler third.

At East Road Greg Madden came out on top with Mr and Mrs Telford as runners-up. Stephen Carver came third. Jim Hardman won at Bridgend and Karl Scurr came second.

And at Pitts Farm Mr and Mrs Jackson took first place while John Edwards was second and Maureen Doran was third.

Mr Shepherd helped the council win the "It's Your Neighbourhood" Outstanding award at the Cumbria in Bloom competition.

"Egremont Town Council is proud of Nelson and is indebted to the sterling work he carries out on a daily basis to ensure the whole of the cemetery looks its best all year round," said Coun Hogg.