A CELEBRATION of residents who have made a positive impact on the community of Prescot took place as an inaugural awards ceremony was held.

The first Prescot Community Recognition Awards were held after being introduced by the Town Council.

The aim of the event was to highlight the positive contribution made by "unsung" individuals and groups who stand out as having made a positive impact they had on individuals and the wider community.

The ceremony saw the Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts named the first Prescot Community Group of the Year.

Meanwhile, researcher Betty Brown was commended as the inaugural Citizen of the Year for her work documenting the rich long history of St Mary's Church.

The church dates back mostly to 1610 with some parts going as far back to the Middle Ages.

Prescot mayor Cllr Jennifer Chadwick presented the awards to Laura and Rob Howard, the founders of The Prescot Festival and to Betty.

Cllr Chadwick said: "Prescot has a rich tradition as a town with a strong community. Sometimes the efforts of particular individuals and groups stand out as being above and beyond that of a usual citizen.

"These groups and individuals are not always aware of the positive impact they can have, on both individuals and the wider community, and can go largely unsung for their actions."