TWO couples who have worked tirelessly for the Burnham and Highbridge community are to receive civic awards.

At Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s Civic Service on September 14, special guest, Glastonbury Festival boss Michael Eavis, will present awards to Sara and Mark Cox-Conklin, and Tony and Sue Merrett.

Sara and Mark bravely took on Burnham Swimming Pool when Sedgemoor District Council was looking to close it.

Their efforts have resulted in the Burnham Swim and Sports Academy, which has gone from strength to strength.

Town Mayor Cllr Martin Cox, who is organising the civic service, said: "They not only brought this old facility up to modern requirements, at great expense, but also added to it over the years with a fitness centre and various outdoor activities; all facilities for keeping people fit.

"The pool is now the hub for other activities, runs, sprints, semi-marathons and is an enormous asset to Burnham on Sea.

"It would certainly not have been here today but for Mark and Sara, who of course are international athletes themselves."

Tony and Sue Merrett transformed an old warehouse into the thriving Monarchs Acrobatic Gymnastics Club.

They have given their time and expertise over the last 15 years to help train youngster of all ages.

Working tirelessly to raise funds and recruit young people, the duo have held regular training sessions, helping youngsters reach standards that have seen them compete locally, nationally and internationally.

The civic service will be held at St Andrew’s Church, at 3pm.

At about 2.50pm, the mayoral party will leave the Princess Theatre and Arts Centre for a short procession to St Andrew’s Church, where the civic party will be greeted by a guard of honour from the cadet services.