Mayor praises winners of Civic Awards as 'the very best of Brentwood'

BRENTWOOD Borough Council has revealed the winners of the Civic Awards at a special ceremony.

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The winners were named during the Civic Dinner at the Mount Avenue Banqueting Suite in Hutton.

Sponsored by Savills, the awards shine a light on individuals whose dedication and service have made a meaningful difference to communities in the Brentwood area.

The Civic Awards judging panel were moved by the inspirational stories within the nominations received, highlighting the wide range of volunteering and projects across the borough.

The recipients of the Civic Awards are:

■Service to the Community: Francesca Spiteri - posthumous award.

■Lifetime Achievement: Kim Messenger, Mick Chapman.

The Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Mark Haigh, said: "The awards this year were a chance for us to say thank you to Kim and Mick, individuals whose passion, dedication and kindness help shape our borough into the strong and caring community it is.

"It was also an opportunity to acknowledge and highlight the big impact and difference that Francesca made and her story was truly moving.

"Each one of our Civic Award recipients represent the very best of Brentwood.

"Whether it's through decades of voluntary service, creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people, or inspiring others through personal courage and resilience, each of them has given so much of themselves in service to others and have made a lasting difference.

"Their stories remind us that it is the quiet, consistent acts of kindness and leadership that strengthen our community."

This year, the Service to the Community award was awarded posthumously to Francesca Spiteri, from Brentwood.

Francesca, who died last year, was one of the founders of Butterfly Meadow and volunteered to support bereaved parents in Brentwood. The award was presented to her daughters, Jessica and Dawn-Marie.