Tandridge District Council Chairman, Councillor Sakina Bradbury chose volunteering in the community for the theme of her year of office - it ends in May - and hosted a Civic Reception at the Surrey National Golf Club in Chaldon to hand out awards for outstanding community volunteering within the Tandridge District.

Receiving framed Citizens Award certificates at the Reception on Thursday, 21st February were Mike Moss of Oxted, Ian and Vicki Winfield of the Oldencraig Equestrian Centre in Tandridge Lane near Lingfield, a group of young volunteers from Whyteleafe and County Border News editor Kevin Black.

After an introduction by Tandridge District Council's new Chief Executive Louise Round, Councillor Bradbury said: "This annual Civic Reception is one of the most important council events of the year. Our councillors, volunteers, businesses and council officers are at the heart of this celebration. I am honoured and delighted because I have the opportunity of a life time in meeting all of you, and for you all I hold a deep respect. I also value your groups and institutions where you so selflessly give a huge amount of time and commitment to improve the quality of life in our community. What I hear when I am around the District is sense of pride to be a Tandridge resident. That pride comes from appreciation of our environment and safe neighbourhoods; it comes from our green little villages and the communities.

"Last year was exceptionally exciting with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics. It has been a very humbling experience to see the volunteers, families and friends come together in our community to celebrate these events.

"These celebratory events highlighted how the District Council and community worked in harmony."

Of the awards she handed over Councillor Bradbury said: "I would like to present an award to Mike Moss on behalf of our elderly residents. He is an inspiration to our elderly population, and has worked very hard all year around.

"I would like to present an award to Kevin Black of County Border News for his undivided attention all year around to inform the public by his reporting. Without free newspapers like the County Border News it will be very difficult for non profitable organisations to promote community projects and related news.

"Kevin has worked very hard for the District and for local charities that rely on publicity. I would like to thank Kevin for promoting our local events."

Mr Black received his award for his contribution to local community coverage in the County Border News series which he has edited for 27 years.

Afterwards Mr Black said: "The award was totally unexpected and I am delighted that grassroots, community journalism has at last been recognised. I would like to dedicate my award to all my colleagues in the local media who, like me, spend hours, day and night, in all sorts of weathers and at all sorts of events, ensuring that their readers and listeners are kept abreast of local community life and events."