A BAFTA-style ceremony in Barnoldswick saw everyone from firefighters to physiotherapists rewarded for their contribution to the town.

The second yearly Town Awards ceremony, which is organised by Barnoldswick Town Council, filled the Civic Hall with recipients' friends, family and colleagues.

They were there to support a diverse group of people who were honoured under the "outstanding service to the local community" category, including 91-year-old physiotherapist Syd Parkinson Mr Parkinson was rewarded for his lifetime of work with football clubs, including Barnoldswick Town FC, and received his accolade from previous town award winner Jordan Clayton, 14.

Town clerk Robert Kandt commended Mr Parkinson for bringing national publicity to the town with his MBE nomination from Premiership managers Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce.

Meanwhile, referring to the recent decision to axe one of Barnoldswick's two fire crews, Mr Kandt said it was especially important that the town's firefighters were recognised for their commitment to the life-saving service.

Presenting watch manager Ray Bowker with an award, he said: "Firefighters sacrifice work, social and family commitments for the sake of the safety of our town.

"During the past year, this service has experienced well-publicised threats. It's especially befitting therefore that it is honoured by the town council."

Barnoldswick police officer PC Mark Hyde was personally thanked by three youngsters from the Pendle Fishing Buddies Angling Club (PFBAC), which he set up to give young people a meaningful hobby.

Mr Kandt thanked PC Hyde for devoting a great deal of his free time to the PFBAC project, which was said to have built bridges between local police and youths.

The founder of Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends, Mary Brennan, was recognised for her work with people suffering from cancer and their families.

Mr Kandt said that Mrs Brennan had been a permanent figurehead for the organisation, which had raised more than £80,000.

And he said Mrs Brennan had been known to accompany people during treatment.

"Her ready smile and infectious laugh are often the best treatment for those with cancer," he added.

Accepting her award for her leadership of the West Craven Talking Newspaper - a local news service for the blind and partially-sighted - Maureen Childs said: "It's very gratifying to get an award for something you enjoy doing."

Former baker Ron Sainty was honoured for 31 years of service to the Barnoldswick and Earby minibus initiative, which takes locals to visit loved ones in Airedale and Skipton hospitals.

Two other local organisations were recognised.

Mr Kandt said that Barnoldswick and West Craven Chamber of Trade had made big progress in helping to regenerate the town centre in just a few years.

He said the organisation had held highly successful markets and town square events, helped to publicise the town for weekend shopping and acted as a magnet for visitors.

And Barnoldswick's household waste recycling centre was praised for giving the town an exceptionally good service under the "outstanding contribution to the local environment" section.

A recent survey showed that 87 per cent of locals questioned were "very satisfied" with the facility.

At the annual town meeting immediately after the town awards, councillors reported on the progress made over the past year with a number of projects.

And in her annual report, town council chairman Jenny Purcell said she felt that the council's collaboration with the chamber of trade had been a notable success.

She said: "I have tried hard to fulfil my role and obligations and I hope that the town feels that they have received their money's worth'."

Issues brought up by members of the public included dog fouling in numerous locations across the town.

However, Couns David Whipp and Margaret Bell assured the meeting that new measures being introduced by Pendle Borough Council, such as park keepers and dedicated dog wardens, would help to address the problem.