Dennis Clegg is one of ten dedicated volunteers and a Bebington-based community group named by the council as winners of a Wirral Award for 2021.

The Heswall Society is the local amenity society for Heswall and Gayton, formed just over 60 years ago by some far-sighted residents.

The Society is involved in all local environmental issues and is consulted by the Council on policies affecting the Conservation Areas. Its team reviews every planning application and, where necessary, makes the Society's views known to the Council. In a typical year in excess of 150 applications are scrutinised.

The Wirral Award is given for an outstanding achievement over the previous 12 months, or for distinguished service to the community over a period of 20 years or more.

The award to Dennis notes his tremendous service to the residents of Heswall through his activities in the Heswall Society.

He dealt with planning matters over many years, and his knowledge and expertise proved invaluable to the Society, individual members and local councillors. Early last year he stepped down from his role as Planning Officer and chair of the Society's Planning Group.

At the time the Society said: "Planning matters have involved Dennis in a great deal of detailed work and analysis - and a huge amount of time - and he has more than earned the opportunity to reduce his involvement with this aspect of the Society's work."

The other winners of this year's Wirral Awards are:

- Julie Anglesey for her work as a tutor at local charity Autism Together and going above and beyond to provide support.

- Susan Nicholas for more than 50 years of tireless volunteering with Birkenhead YMCA.

- Billy Townley for more than 25 years of voluntary work with Leasowe Community Centre and its Autumn Club for the over 55s.

- Brighter Bebington for their volunteer work to tidy-up and improve the environment in Bebington since 1992.

- June Fogg for her voluntary work as a Pastoral Worker at Christ Church in Higher Bebington, including a Befriending Service for lonely and isolated residents during the pandemic.

- Tony Jones for more than 40 years of service to New Brighton Lifeboat Station.

- Mike Jones for more than 40 years of service to New Brighton Lifeboat Station.

- Danny De Brabander for his fundraising efforts for UTS Foundation, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Maggie's Centre, Cancer Research UK, Arrowe Park Critical Care Team and Wirral Foodbank.

- Angela Gilmore for 29 years of service to the community as Brown Owl of St Joseph's Parish Centre, Seacombe.

- Barbara Lamb for her support for the Freedom Programme to combat domestic abuse, including fundraising and counselling.

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Tony Smith, said: "The Wirral Award is a way for the Council, on behalf of all local residents, to show its appreciation for the contribution volunteers make to local people and communities.

"Every recipient has gone above-and-beyond to support and improve the lives of others and all are great examples of Wirral's long tradition of voluntary service.

"The past year has really shone a light on the incredible contribution made by volunteers, and I hope these awards will further help to raise awareness of their vital work."

Lockdown restrictions mean that the traditional presentation ceremony at Wallasey town hall will not be possible this year. Recipients will instead receive a framed certificate and a small token of appreciation from the Mayor.