TWO great pillars of the Beccles community were honoured at the Mayor's Reception on Wednesday night.Douglas Peck, a town councillor and member of Pride in Beccles for eight years, received the Leslie Freeman Long Service Award, while Nancy Barclay, who assists at the May Centre, won the Robert Ellwood Plate for Outstanding Service to the Community.

TWO great pillars of the Beccles community were honoured at the Mayor's Reception on Wednesday night.

Douglas Peck, a town councillor and member of Pride in Beccles for eight years, received the Leslie Freeman Long Service Award, while Nancy Barclay, who assists at the May Centre, won the Robert Ellwood Plate for Outstanding Service to the Community.

Mr Peck said it was a great honour to receive his award.

Over the years he has tended to the town's flowers, and kept the war memorial in good shape. His professional advice regarding the town's Christmas lights display is gratefully received, and he was a member of the carnival committee for many years during its most successful period. He was also mayor of Beccles in the year 2002-03,

Meanwhile Mrs Barclay was chosen for the Robert Ellwood Plate because of her diligent work behind the scenes at a variety of local groups.

She assists at the May Centre every week and every month, transporting blind people to their local meeting place.

A great knitter, she also collects wool and makes hats, scarves and socks for the fishermen on our shores.

She also taxis people around Beccles.