Crawley Community Champions - winners announced

By mconnellan

HEROES who work hard to make the town a better place have been saluted for their dedication.

The News can today announce the winners of our Crawley Community Champions awards, which was staged with support from Crawley Police and Asda.

This newspaper asked you, the reader, to nominate unsung heroes who contribute to community life in a way that makes a positive difference to other people.

We received a range of touching and inspiring nominations - but the judges had to chose only three winners.

The winners, who receive shopping vouchers to spend at Asda, are Mary Grace, Christine Landragin and brother Paul, and Phil Hayes.

Mary Grace, of Three Bridges, was one of the founder members of Bridges Youth Club - which was started to save young people from loitering on street corners.

Committed Mary is also a volunteer driver for Age Concern, a Neighborhood Watch co-ordinator for Three Bridges and Northgate, and a supporter of Nautical Training Corps.

Christine Landragin and her brother Paul have devoted many years of care and support to the elderly residents of the Hanover Housing retirement community at Lanehurst Gardens, Pound Hill.

The sibling pair help to run two social groups for the residents and commit themselves to every task from shopping and helping with prescriptions to making the tea.

Lyn Fielding, estate manager for Hanover Housing, said: "They really deserve a special thank you."

Phil Hayes was recommended to us as an "ambassador of play and all round children's hero" who has been a Langley Green community champion for decades.

Phil worked for many years managing adventure playgrounds in the town - such is his passion for ensuring kids can have fun.

He went on to run the town's Gateway Club, which helps young adults with learning disabilities.

Phil is currently a popular lollipop man ensuring that pupils of Langley Green school Our Lady Queen of Heaven can get to the gates safely.

Sgt Darren Taylor, who helped to select the winners, said: "These people are worthy winners and they really are community champions.

"I'm so thankful that Crawley has people like this."