MORE awards have been handed out to some of the biggest supporters of the bid to save Evesham's landmark 16th century Abbey Bell Tower.

Organisers of the Journal-backed appeal are bidding to raise £500,000 for vital repairs to the grade I heritage listed structure.

They have enjoyed support from across the local community, and some of the most notable contributions were celebrated during the second official Abbey Bell Tower Awards evening, held at Raphael's Restaurant.

Among the recipients of an award was nine-year-old Ashley Gibson, who has helped with collections and recently completed a seven-mile sponsored walk and raised £320 for the appeal.

Another recipient was, Paula Smith, who ran the London Marathon and raised £200,

Evesham Bowling Club members were recognised after organising one of the very first fundraising events for the Appeal, back in July 2013, raising £250.

Jim Jarvis and Glenda Harrison, who were not able to attend the awards evening, were both recognised. Mr Jarvis has organised several fundraising events and supported others, while Mrs Harrison made a beautiful patchwork quilt which raised valuable funds and has offered support with catering for many other events.

Musicians Hanna Knight and Tim Haines, collectively known as Hanna-h, received awards after staging two concerts for the appeal and raising about £2,500.

And Suzanne Chambers, of Broadway Leedons and Friends Coffee Group, received an award for supporting the appeal through a coffee morning, raising £225.

Deputy mayor of Evesham, Cllr Fred Kaler, paid tribute to all the deserving recipients.

"The Bell Tower Appeal really has united the town in a way that is absolutely unprecedented, and its wonderful to see support coming from so many sources," he said. "The awards are all very well deserved.”

The next Abbey Bell Tower Awards evening will take place in the marquee at Hampton Ferry, in Evesham, as part of an evening music festival taking place on Friday, August 22.

It will run from 5pm until 11pm and will feature live music from Griff Collins, Aimee Fae, Hi-Times and Trisha the Singer.

Entry is free but donations to the Bell Tower Appeal are welcome.