THE voluntary work of three Bungay women in helping to encourage reading in children and the adult elderly and housebound was recognised on Friday evening when they were presented with the town's Civic Award.

THE voluntary work of three Bungay women in helping to encourage reading in children and the adult elderly and housebound was recognised on Friday evening when they were presented with the town's Civic Award.

Frances Swann, Sylvia Knights and Mary Graham received the trophies and framed certificates from the Mayor, John Warnes, at the annual Bungay Civic evening at the community centre.

And he also presented a special award to Roye Staines for her work in running the weekly Bungay Country Market.

The three women were nominated for the award by Bungay library service for their work in running the children's summer reading scheme and the adult home service.

Last year over 100 children took part in the reading game, and the library put that down to the extra effort the three put in selecting books.

In the adult home library scheme they choose books for the residents they visit, but the service goes beyond that - the women found time for a chat with them and a cup of extra, and even did shopping for the old people.

“They are providing a lifeline, have a sense of community. One of the volunteers is also a first responder and another gives their time to the Fisher Theatre,” the citation said.

Mrs Staines' award was for her management of the Country Market, originally the WI district market, over a number of years. as well as being a producer for the market herself, she recruits other producers to help ensure there is a good range of products available, and arranges packaging and labelling.

“The market has become well known in Bungay as a source of good produce and also as a social gathering on a Thursday, with regulars and visitors dropping in for coffee,” the citation said. “And it fills the community need of green requirements.”

About 60 people attended the civic evening, hosted by the mayor. Guests included the Mayor of Beccles, Jack Walmsley, the Mayor of Southwold, Sue Doy, the vice-chairman of Waveney District Council, Simon Tobin, and the chairman of Halesworth Town Council, Sandra Leverett, as well as the Town Reeve of Bungay, John Groom.

A raffle raised �123 for Bungay in Bloom.