TWO women who have been heavily involved in charity fundraising and volunteering in the town have been named as St Ives' Citizens of the Year.
Shirley Beck was nominated in recognition of her many ways of giving her time and enthusiasm for people of all ages in St Ives.
She started the petition 25 years ago to save the Edward Hain Hospital and has since worked in fundraising and volunteering at Kidz R Us.
She has also worked with Penwith District Council to bring the ownership of Ayr Field back to St Ives.
Shirley is a regular volunteer in the Visitor Information Centre and served for 25 years on the town council, including as mayor in 1993-94.
A recent project driven by Shirley was the building of two semi-detached bungalows by the Craze & Hunkin Almshouse Charity, providing affordable accommodation for St Ives.
Linda Oxley set up the first majorette troupe in St Ives – The Silver Stars – which she ran for several years. The troupe won awards in local competitions and raised funds for charity.
Charities that have benefited from a range of fundraising events organised by Linda include MacMillan Nursing Care, NSPCC, CLIC and Children in Need.
For the past 27 years Linda has been head of care at Ar-Lyn Residential Home in Lelant, devoting her life to the care of others.
The citizen award is based on the former Penwith District Council Alan Harvey Citizen of the Year Awards.
St Ives' mayor, Councillor Colin Nicholls, said: "It seems fitting that both of the winners have worked alongside Alan in the past; Linda through her work with majorettes and Shirley by being a fellow councillor. I am hoping in future years that more 'unsung heroes' who work tirelessly in the community without fee or favour will be recognised."
