POOLE’S lavish civic awards ceremony, which honours the town’s “unsung heroes”, could fall victim to council budget cuts.

While Borough of Poole still intends to praise its worthy residents and groups, the awards evening dinner is set for the chop by the council.

The ceremony, traditionally held in January at Lighthouse, and at which award winners receive a special edition Poole Pottery plate, costs about £10,000.

Over the last 16 years a variety of individuals and groups have been honoured for helping others and making Poole a better place in which to live or work.

“We feel it is very important to mark the significant contributions our residents make to the local community, and a civic awards celebration will go ahead in the New Year,” said Tim Martin, head of legal and democratic services.

“However, in the current financial climate the council is having to scrutinise all budgets and we are currently in the process of reviewing what form January’s celebration could take in a bid to refocus these events on the community’s contribution and save money. No final decisions have been made.”

Bruce Grant-Braham, who introduced the awards when mayor in 1994, said he would be disappointed if the event was abandoned.

“In the intervening years the awards have recognised some really tremendous individuals around Poole who have had enormous impacts on their communities.

“I would be sad if it were to disappear. I hope something could be maintained. There are many unsung heroes for whom this has been a means of recognition,” he said.

This year’s recipients were Alderney West Youth Club volunteers and Bearwood Community Centre Association as well as the volunteers of Forest Holme Hospice and individuals Georgina Aggett, Tony Watts and Joan Percy.