North Solihull residents recognised with civic awards

DEDICATION: Marie Hodgetts receives her award from
the NEC's Gary Masters at the Civic Suite

UNSUNG heroes and community champions have been recognised at Solihull's  Civic Honours Awards.
Kris Chase-Byrne, the founder of North Solihull Singers, received the Creative Arts Award.
He arranges music, composes songs, as well as conducting the community choir, who meet weekly at Chelmsley Wood's Three Trees Community Centre.
Also recognised for her tireless efforts was Marie Hodgetts, who won the Community Involvement category.
Marie has volunteered around North Solihull for years, working with organisations including the Friends of Kingfisher Country Park, Chelmsley Wood Residents' Association and IMAGE - a group of local community leaders.
She also helped organised the first-ever North Solihull Cultural Festival, which took place earlier this year.
Kris and Marie were presented with the honour by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Kate Wild, at last week's awards ceremony.
Paying tribute to the winners, Coun Wild said: "The dedication and enthusiasm that the winners of these awards put into their community is an inspiration to us all."
Among those from other parts of the borough to receive an award were teenage cyclist Dannielle Khan, who is hoping to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics, and Abigail Lake, a volunteer for Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO).