WITCHAM Parish Council was presented with a national award. While the World Pea Shooting Championships were in full flow, the council was awarded Quality Parish Council Status. A certificate was presented to council chairman, Ashley Bamforth, by Denis Pay

WITCHAM Parish Council was presented with a national award.

While the World Pea Shooting Championships were in full flow, the council was awarded Quality Parish Council Status.

A certificate was presented to council chairman, Ashley Bamforth, by Denis Payne from Cambridge and Peterborough Association of Local Councils.

Mr Bamforth said: "Only five per cent of parish councils throughout the country received this award, so it's a remarkable achievement. The award recognises the hard work that has been done to improve communication with the electorate. We regularly distribute newsletters to houses and always give 15 minutes' free time before council meetings for the public to ask questions about items on the agenda.

"We've worked incredibly hard to achieve this award and it now means that we will have better access to grants that become available."

Witcham Village Hall caretaker and secretary, Beryl Sabberton, was given a lifelong award for giving more than 15 years' service to the village hall and the annual village gardening awards were also handed out.

The award for the Best Overall Garden was given to Mr and Mrs Webster, Mr and Mrs Blahj won the prize for the Best Flowers and Mr and Mrs Sabberton won the Best Vegetables prize.

Mr and Mrs Jones, Mr and Mrs George, Mr and Mrs Phillips and Mr and Mrs Alder were all given special award for their highly-commended gardens. Steve and Mary Bramble, from Mepal, judged the gardening awards.