A SCHOOLGIRL who looks after her disabled mother, a long-serving rowing coach and the licensees of a town centre pub were among some of the Christchurch citizens of all ages honoured for their contribution to the community at the third annual Good Citizen awards ceremony.

Youngest of the seven winners announced at the awards evening hosted by the Avonmouth Hotel was 15-year-old Laura Lofts from Fairmile who received the Young Citizen Award from Mayor Cllr David Fox.

Twynham School student Laura, who has ambitions to be a doctor, is a young carer for her mother Rebecca who has suffered from a rare medical condition for several years.

Christchurch Royal British Legion secretary Ron Chapple received the volunteer of the year award for his work in helping ex-servicemen while their enthusiasm for looking after the borough's citizens at the other end of the age scale won the education and learning award for Helen Dow and her team at the Chewton Common Playgroup in Highcliffe.

Decades of coaching at Christchurch Rowing Club and stalwart work with the borough's Sports Council and other community organis-ations earned Michael Green the healthy community award.

Pride of place award went to the volunteers of the Friends of Nea Meadows who have worked over the past 10 years to promote and preserve their local wildlife haven and popular beauty spot.

The award for organisation of the year went to the Mudeford Men's Club which raises thousands of pounds every year for local causes as well as sponsoring local sports teams and looking after its older members.

And publicans Rob Martin and Paul Goldsack of Ye Olde George Inn earned the welcome to all award for their hospitality which includes hosting charity auctions and an annual Christmas party for senior citizens and their carers.

"There are so many individuals and organisations in Christchurch who are worthy of our praise and it is unfortunate that we can't invite them all here tonight," said the Mayor.

"However, I am delighted to welcome the finalists to thank them for their personal efforts which help to make Christchurch such a community-minded place."