TWO COMMUNITY heroes were crowned at a Feltham awards ceremony on Monday.
The winners of the Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year awards 2011, Shawnee Nash, 13, of Watermill Way, and Harry Irwin, 86, of Shaftesbury Avenue, were thrilled to be selected by judges for the prestigious accolades.
In addition to this, dozens of residents were given certificates for their efforts to help others and make the community a better place.
More than 50 people packed into a function room at The Centre on Monday afternoon. As well as the nominees, those who nominated them also came along to show their support.
The panel of judges, centre manager Lorraine Eggleton, local historian Eddie Menday and Hounslow Chronicle journalist Jessica Thompson announced and presented the awards.
Miss Nash, the recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award, was nominated by eight people for her constant help at the Feltham Arts Association where she spends time preparing after school activities.
When announcing the winner of the award, Mr Menday said: "Shawnee has acted beyond her years to help her peers and is truly a role model to them all."
She received a cheque for £500 to donate to a charity of her choice.
Mrs Eggleton announced the Citizen of the Year Award, which was presented to Mr Irwin, who has lived in the town for 75 years. He collects money for the Salvation Army at Tesco in Dukes Green and at local pubs, as well as making sets for the local amateur theatre groups, and driving the less mobile to and from church.
She said: "He has been a pillar for the community.
"Generous to a fault, he never expects anything in return for acts of kindness too numerous to mention. He always has a ready smile and an uplifting story to tell, and the judges really felt Harry deserves this award."
He also received a cheque for £500 to donate to a charity of his choice.
It is the forth year the awards have been running in Feltham.
Speaking after the ceremony, Miss Nash said: "I am so happy about this and so surprised as well. I think it's such a good idea, and a great way to inspire people to do more for the community."
Mr Irwin said: "I am a quiet individual really, and I don't like a lot of fuss, but I am really proud to be the recipient of this award."
A host of nominees were presented with certificates including the chair of the Feltham Arts Association Ruth Stevens and Louis Thomas who works for the Feltham Bees disabled sports club, coaching people with disabilities.
