SHIRLEY Wright is Whittlesey s Citizen of the Year after raising thousands of pounds to help keep the town s St Mary s Church in good repair. Winning a citizenship title is becoming something of a family tradition and Mrs Wright, pictured, left, says she

SHIRLEY Wright is Whittlesey's Citizen of the Year after raising thousands of pounds to help keep the town's St Mary's Church in good repair.Winning a citizenship title is becoming something of a family tradition and Mrs Wright, pictured, left, says she is proud and honoured by the award.Mrs Wright's mother-in-law Olive Wright won the title a few years ago and her own mother, June Nicholas of Whittlesey, won a similar title awarded by Peterborough for her work for the meals on wheels service.She said: "It is lovely to be compared to people you have loved and respected for many years."Each year Whittlesey Town Council presents an award to an adult and a young person after asking for nominations from residents. Winners receive their awards at a special ceremony next month.Mrs Wright and her husband David run a family business in Market Street, Whittlesey. She became the secretary of the Friends of St Mary's Church 10 years ago.Events have raised thousands of pounds for the church. More than £30,000 has been spent on repairs to the organ and thousands more on repairing and reguilding the clocks.Mrs Wright is also voluntary secretary for the Business Forum and has been involved with the Christmas Lights Committee.- Young Citizen of the Year is Sir Harry Smith College student Jack Pearson, 15, who has helped children in Malawi. He raised £1,500 to join an official working party and while there helped to build two classrooms for a new school. On his return to Whittlesey he gave a presentation to fellow students.