FENLAND District Council has been presented with two national Yellow Rose Awards for its innovative and positive work with travellers and gypsies. Fenland scooped the Local Authority Award for the way it addresses social inclusion matters and accommodatio

FENLAND District Council has been presented with two national Yellow Rose Awards for its innovative and positive work with travellers and gypsies.

Fenland scooped the Local Authority Award for the way it addresses social inclusion matters and accommodation issues, at a recent ceremony attended by more than 100 representatives of traveller and gypsy organisations from across the country.

David Bailey, the council's traveller and diversity manager, picked up a special Yellow Rose Award for his community development work with travellers and for the committed way he works for social inclusion and to build bridges between settled and travelling communities.

The yellow rose, the flower of friendship, was chosen as the symbol for the awards, which were presented by Michelle Banks, head of the gypsy unit at the Department of Communities and Local Government, Lord Avebury, a tireless campaigner for traveller issues, and Richard Bennett, chairman of the gypsy committee at the Local Government Association.

Mr Bailey said: "I was delighted to receive my award in recognition of the work I have been doing with the council for many years. The council has an enlightened and robust policy when it comes to working with the travelling community on issues such as social inclusion and accommodation."

Councillor Jill Tuck, portfolio holder with responsibility for travellers, said: "We are all very proud that the council has received this award and we are particularly delighted that all David Bailey's good work has been recognised. We are known nationally for the proactive way we manage traveller sites and address social inclusion issues.