Rayleigh Town Council held the annual town meeting at FitzWimarc School.

Chairman councillor Christine Callis presented more than 30 awards.

The Chairman’s Award was presented to Reverend Scott Williamson of Rayleigh Baptist Church and the Citizen of the Year Award was presented to the Venerable Mike Lodge, Archdeacon of Southend, for his work over many years at Rayleigh’s Holy Trinity Church.

The Town Council’s grants totalling nearly £10,000 were presented to many local organisations and charities including the Salvation Army, Citizens Advice Bureau, Essex Air Ambulance and Rayleigh Age Concern.

Mrs Callis said: “This has been a fantastic evening. We are so proud and it was a great pleasure to give out awards.”