Local residents Mark Jones and Victor Farmer made a trip to the Houses of Parliament recently to be honoured at the British Airways Community Champions Awards for their work in the community. The event celebrated the achievements of 38 Community Champions for their outstanding contributions to local community life, as nominated by their MPs. Mark Jones, chairman of Ridge Radio and organiser of the annual music festival deFest and former RAF pilot Victor Farmer, an active fundraiser who has raised £120,000 for the RAF Association over 25 years, were both successfully nominated by Sam Gyimah MP.

The winners were each awarded a pair of tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games by British Airways chief executive Keith Williams and Olympic Gold medallist Denise Lewis.

Each of the 38 Community Champions has been honoured in a special commemorative booklet, produced by British Airways.

Speaking during the event, Sam Gyimah MP said:

"It is important to recognise the very important work carried out in our community, and the British Airways' Community Champion Awards allow us to do just that.

"On behalf of the whole community, I'd like to thank our Champions for their commitment and dedication, and their contribution to East Surrey."

"Nominating just two people was extremely difficult as there are many in East Surrey who would qualify as a local community champion.

"I chose two people who in very different ways have made their mark on East Surrey.

"I first met Mr Farmer at a Battle of Britain celebration. He is a former RAF pilot, who is now in his 80's but is still actively, energetically and consistently campaigning and raising money for the RAF association - having raised thousands and thousands of pounds in the last 25 years.

"I also nominated Mark Jones for his dedication to young people in Tandridge.

"Mr Jones holds a number of positions in the community; he is a School Governor; sits on the Caterham Carnival Committee; organises the Annual Music talent festival, Defest; Founder member and Chairman of Ridge Radio - a not for profit organisation which encourages work placements and work experience for local young people.

"Both of these people are pillars of their community and truly are local community champions."

British Airways chief executive Keith Williams said:

"2012 is a set to be a great year for London, and we are proud to honour the men and women who work tirelessly for their communities.

"These awards recognise the remarkable people who make a huge difference to other people's lives locally, often without recognition, but who deserve to be praised.

I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of the Community Champions."

Olympic Gold Medallist Denise Lewis said:

"Our sense of community is one of the many things that makes Britain great.

"In a fantastic year for London, and for the UK as a whole, I'm delighted to be able help recognise the contribution the Community Champions have made through the British Airways Community Champion Awards."