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Awards for bus service founder and web wizard
THE man behind the Cuckmere Community Bus scheme, which operates services in Hailsham and surrounding villages, has been honoured for his outstanding voluntary work.
Phillip Ayres, of Litlington, near Alfriston, was presented with a Wealden Community Award at a civic reception held at the East Sussex National Golf Resort near Uckfield.
Mr Ayres, who was nominated for the honour by Hailsham mayor Ian Haffenden, founded the Cuckmere Community Bus scheme 30 years ago. He still oversees the entire operation, including recruiting and training its volunteer drivers, arranging timetables, negotiating contracts and applying for grants to run the eight buses which run from outlying villages to Hailsham, Polegate, Brighton and Eastbourne.
In addition to his CCB work, Mr Ayres is also a magistrate and is vice-chairman of the East Sussex Magistrates group. He was also the former clerk to Cuckmere and Alfriston Parish Councils.
Cllr Haffenden accepted the award on Mr Ayres's behalf.
Also picking up a gong at the ceremony was Hailsham Community College student Miles Clark-Dean.
Miles has been using his IT and research skills to create a new section on the Wealden Youth Website.
Called 'Thinking Safety', it highlights the importance to young people of taking positive action to stay safe in different situations.
The sixth-former was formally presented with a High Sheriff's Award, along with James Davies, a Heathfield Community College pupil and member of the UK Youth Parliament, for their contribution to community safety.
The pair were praised by Wealden District Council chairman Sylvia Martin, the host of the civic reception.
Cllr Martin said, "It is all too easy these days not to get involved and to keep your head down
"Both James and Miles are two young people who are prepared to get involved and have gone way beyond the call of duty for the benefit of all young people in Wealden."
Cllr Martin added that all the winners deserved the utmost respect for their dedication.
She said, "All four recipients of this year's Community Awards have made a tremendous contribution to their local communities - not just for one service but through a wide range of activities, making a real difference
"They are the thread that holds together the tapestry of local life."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Monday 13 February 2012
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