BEDALE applauded its heroes this week when special community awards were presented to people who have been an inspiration and a credit to the town.

At the annual parish meeting in Bedale Hall, the town council gave community awards to caretaker Dave Hewison, historian Brian Hall and the Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group.

Facing one of the most difficult times in history, residents got together to create the Bedale Covid-19 Mutual Aid Group a week before the first lockdown in March 2020. Within 24 hours 600 local people had joined the Facebook group. Within a fortnight, more than a third of the townsfolk were members. Nearly 200 people registered as volunteers and it was soon possible to match many up with those in need as 20 group administrators monitored a helpline and developed a coordinated range of services. Many local businesses rallied round including Halls fish and chips donating hot food. Town clerk Nick Reed presented their award, saying the town council was delighted to recognise their magnificent effort.

Susan Perkins, who accepted the award, said: "It was the most amazing experience, what we found was that with nearly every problem that came long there was someone in the community that was willing to help. We discovered all sorts of people were doing more, people had formed relationships which carry on today. There was a silver lining to Covid-19, people found that this was a good place to live."

Mayor councillor Andrew Hallett said: "A real community spirit emerged with a willingness to pitch in and help others, it was an amazing response to what was for many a desperate situation. It shows what can be achieved when a community pulls together."

Councillor John Noone presented the award to 87 year-old Brian Hall. He said Brian has lived all his life in Bedale and became a font of knowledge on the town and its history. A keen sportsman, he had helped set up the golf club and Bedale Athletic Sports Association, also taking over running Halls fish and chips from his parents. "He was a keen contributor to the book Reflections of Bedale, about the life and times of the town and has given many talks to a wide range of groups and organisations," said Cllr Noone. "He is an inspiration to us all."

Mr Hall said there were hundreds and hundreds of pieces of information in the cellars underneath Bedale Hall and these should be brought out and put on show.

Cllr Hallett presented the award to Dave Hewison, who has been dubbed the hardest working caretaker in the country, constantly going above and beyond the call of duty to keep the town tidy. Now, retired he started working for the council in 2004 and was presented with the Queen's Birthday medal for his devotion to his work."Such was his commitment to see things done right for the town and residents he often did a lot more than he was paid for. We want to thank him for all he has done," added Cllr Hallett.