St John's Church, in Midsomer Norton, was packed last Sunday evening for the Annual Midsomer Awards, run by the Town Council to recognise the contribution of individuals, community groups and businesses to the life of the community in the town.

Julian Sheppard was recognised as Community Volunteer of the Year and, at the same time, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Youth Community Volunteer of the Year went to Joshua Waterson, in recognition of his successful campaign to install a Toucan Crossing on Silver Street. The Street Pastors were recognised for their contribution in helping people in the night-time economy with an award of Community Group of the Year.

The B&NES Cleaning Team also received recognition for their outstanding efforts in keeping the town clean.

Mayor Paul Myers also added special thanks, on behalf of the town, to Bath and North East Somerset Council for agreeing to do necessary work to the traffic island at the bottom of the High Street to allow the carnival to return to the town, which received spontaneous loud applause from all those present. The theme of carnival was reinforced later in the awards, when the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association received an award for all their hard work in devising a new route for the carnival, to be held on Monday, 10th November 2014, which will see its return to the town.

Overall, the awards evening shows how important volunteering is to the life of a community, such as Midsomer Norton.

A special appeal was made for volunteer marshals for the forthcoming Midsomer Norton Fayre, on Saturday, 12th July, at Gullock Tyning. Anyone able to help is asked to contact Alex Davis at the Midsomer Norton Community Trust on: 01761 419133.

The full list of awards is as follows: Community Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award: Julian Sheppard. In recognition of not just his work in the last twelve months providing the drive and inspiration for the setting up of the Midsomer Norton Street Pastors, but also years of work before this, working on plans for the regeneration of the town centre.

Youth Community Volunteer of the Year: Joshua Waterson.

Community Group of the Year: Midsomer Norton Street Pastors, in recognition of the impact this newly-formed group has made in such a short space of time, helping transform the town centre at night by listening, caring and helping.

Outstanding Officer Contribution: to the B&NES Midsomer Norton Cleansing Team.

New Community Initiative of the Year: Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association, with particular recognition to Hazel Franklin and Steve Collins for their enormous contribution to the carnival.

Outstanding Volunteer Team Award: Welton Baptist Church's Café 3:16. For running Café 3:16 for the past five years and for providing a space for young people to meet, particular recognition went to Sally Evans.

Outstanding Community Volunteer Award: Amy March, for her work in creating and organising the Midsomer Norton Maypole Festival at the Fayre in 2014. Business Contribution to the Community – support for community groups, an award given in recognition of the support two local businesses have given to countless local community groups over many years – in terms of legal advice through surgeries and financial advice. Awarded to Thatcher and Hallam and King Watkins.

Community Business Initiatives of the Year Award: Three Markets. In recognition of the importance of the town's markets to the local economy and the service they provide to residents. Presented to Louise Hall, of Midsomer Norton Farmers' Market, Andy Payne, of West Clewes Thursday Market, and Sarah Brereton, from Midsomer Vintage Market.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dennis Barter in recognition of over thirty years dedicated volunteering at Norton Radstock Swimming Club working in the process with thousands of young people.

Outstanding Sporting Group Award: Norton Radstock Swimming Club. In recognition of the enormous contribution the club makes to the community by encouraging young people through swimming. Presented to Kay Wilcox and Charlene Green, for coaching and volunteering, and Nicky Vause, administration and volunteering.