FENLAND scooped a handful of awards at the Cambridgeshire Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Community Life awards. The awards, partly sponsored by Archant, parent company of the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, acknowledge community spirit a

FENLAND scooped a handful of awards at the Cambridgeshire Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Community Life awards.

The awards, partly sponsored by Archant, parent company of the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, acknowledge community spirit and hard work across the county.

Leila Bosson and Charles Jenkins, both from Wisbech, and Joyce Oakey and Anne Wells, both from Chatteris, all picked up awards in the Cambridgeshire County Council Volunteer of the Year scheme.

Mrs Bosson picked up an Inspiration Award, an award given to people who have inspired others, for her work with St John Ambulance. Mr Jenkins picked up a commitment award for his work with Fenland Association Community Transport (FACT), based in March.

Joyce Oakey, of Chatteris, was rewarded for her support of a Sunday school and youth group. Her nominator, A Kitson, said: "Joyce taught Sunday school for 50 years and helped run a church youth group for over 30 years. She was also secretary of the local arthritis group for many years.

"She trained with CAMTAD to help those with hearing difficulties and mans the phone for the local St John Ambulance, issuing and booking out medical loan items. She also raises money by knitting toys and compiling quiz sheets."

Anne Wells was honoured for her support of St John Ambulance Chatteris for 17 years. Her nominator, Lillian Oakey, said: "She was instrumental in obtaining a headquarters building in 1990. She spent many hours fund-raising. She also delivers, collects cleans and maintains medical loan equipment. She is a first aider, first aid trainer, defibrillator operator, oxygen administrator, Rospa silver award holder and Midas minibus qualified driver.