TWENTY 'unsung heroes' including the Standard's own Syd Mosdell have been recognised by the Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds with awards ceremonies held in two towns.

As part of the centenary celebrations of Rotary International the South Cotswold branch chose to honour those who exemplified the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self' in the communities of Tetbury and Malmesbury.

This included Syd who was awarded for his work in bringing the news of Tetbury to a wider community at a ceremony which took place last week.

The presentations took place in Tetbury's Market Hall and Malmesbury's Mayoral Parlour where club president Alan Cross explained why the nominees had been chosen.

He said the awards were in recognition of the vital part the chosen twenty played in the life and activity of the two towns.

Syd, who has been a Standard newshound for over a decade, said he didn't expect to get the award.

He explained: "Actually I was surprised, you talk about voluntary work and I look upon what I do as different.

"I do bring the news in though, as and when it is available."

Other Tetbury recipients included Sallie Dearnley, organiser of Tetbury Volunteers Services, Nick Preston, for his role in saving the hospital and Pam Bird, for 30 years of work with the Guide movement.

In Malmesbury awards were handed out to another ten 'heroes' including Patrick Cooper, Minety's volunteer street cleaner, Eric Thacker, for his work in the community and overseas and Richard Warren, Hullavington's special constable for 40 years.