The work of five of Port St Mary’s unsung heroes has been recognised by the village’s commissioners.

Joyce Crook and Cynthia Gelling, Becky Gelling and Steve Tomkinson and Mildred Coffey were presented with their awards by the chairman of the village commissioners, Dr Michelle Haywood.

The scheme recognises villagers who have made an ’outstanding contribution’ to the village, such as those who help elderly neighbours or volunteer at community events.

Joyce Crook and Cynthia Gelling established the Port St Mary Children’s Concert in 1977 and an adult cabaret in 1990.

Mrs Crook and Mrs Gelling help run pantomimes and raise money for charities.

Becky Gelling and Steve Tomkinson organise events at the golf pavilion to help residents in Port St Mary meet new people, learn a language and help those who live with dementia.

The pair set up Cafe Connect as a way to help people who are on their own meet other people, the Decaff Group is for people who live with dementia and their partners to discuss their concerns and Cafe Lingo which helps teach people new languages.

Mildred Coffey volunteers with the Mount Tabor church in Port St Mary where she helps organise the lunches and coffee mornings.

Mrs Coffey also helps other organisations with projects including the Port St Mary Remembers exhibition in 2018.