THE efforts of five inspirational people were rewarded at Whittlesey’s annual Citizen of the Year competition.

Volunteers and councillors gathered at Whittlesey Town Council’s new chamber on Saturday as the Mayor, Councillor Derek Stebbing, presented trophies and certificates to the prize winners.

Cllr Stebbing said: “We never cease to be amazed by the application that come in every year. We were once again amazed by the efforts of our residents, particularly the youngsters.

“We have very few opportunities to reward those citizens who don’t usually want any personal recognition for the work they do.”

• RUSSELL Hart was crowned Citizen of the Year for his tireless charity efforts.

He has completed the Three Peaks Challenge, three 50-mile cycle rides and organised motown and soul nights at the Fleet in Fletton.

In the last year he has raised �12,000 with numerous events at the Letter B pub. Magpas, Whittlesey first responders and Help for Heroes have all benefited from his efforts.

Mr Hart, 53, said: “I was stunned to win, but I couldn’t do this without a lot of help from my family and friends.”

Mr Hart’s next fundraising challenge is a 183-mile coast to coast cycle ride on April 16 with four friends for the Willow Trust. They will cycle from Whitehaven in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay near Whitby.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com and search for ‘coast to coast cycle ride/Rob Starr’.

• YOUNG Citizen of the Year is 15-year-old Siana Rawlings, the chairman of Fenland Youth District Council.

Siana, a student at Sir Harry Smith Community College, is also a member of the school council and her year council.

She works backstage at school shows and is a member of the Kick Ash campaign which warns Year 6 and Year 8 pupils about the dangers of smoking.

She also runs Christian Union in school and was the compere for our Kids Are Alright awards ceremony last year.

Siana said: “I am really proud and amazed by it. I wasn’t expecting it at all.

“I was really shocked when I opened the letter. I had to read it several times because I thought I had read it wrong.”

• BROTHERS James and Thomas Dietz received community achievement awards for their work with the town’s Street Pride group.

James, 15, a Year 11 student at Sir Harry Smith Community College, joined the group for his bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

He said: “My dad suggested I joined the group but I stayed on after completing the award because I enjoyed it so much.”

As a result Thomas, 12, a Year 8 student at Sir Harry Smith, also joined the group.

• JAMIE Cole received a community achievement award for his support to Sue Ryder Care and the British Heart Foundation.

Jamie, 16, studying AS-levels at Sir Harry Smith, provides entertainment at events with a mobile disco. He also served as secretary of the BHF’s St Ives Branch for six months.

He said: “I was very excited to pick up the award because it is so well recognised across the town.”