Brian and Sheila Spatcher, of Buckingham Road, have been presented with an engraved silver platter by Winslow Mayor Dennis Corben for their key role in the Cane and Able over 60s group.

The club meets on the first Saturday of every month at the Winslow Centre and has speakers talking on a wide range of topics and organises a variety of trips away for members.

Cllr Corben said: "They have help from others but basically they are the backbone of this valuable community asset."

Mr and Mrs Spatcher are also founder members of the Winslow Players drama group, and Mrs Spatcher, 66, is an active member of the Winslow Singers. She has helped them raise around £7,000 for charity over the last five years.

Mr Spatcher, 67, is currently serving his second three-year term as a church warden.

Cllr Corben added: "I just want to say well done to them and give them a big thank you from the whole of Winslow"

Mr Spatcher said: "We were quite chuffed about the award to be quite honest, it came as a complete surprise but we feel very honoured to be recognised for the work we have done."

Mr and Mrs Spatcher, who currently run a bed-and- breakfast business, were the proprietors of Jenny Wren's Tearooms for five years. Prior to that, Mr Spatcher worked with the Post Office for 32 years, and Mrs Spatcher worked at the University of Buckingham's careers department for 10 years.

Nominees for Winslow's Citizen of the Year awards were recommended by a town council working party, which also includes members of the local Lions Club and Rotary Club.