A BROTHER and sister were the first ever joint winners of a community award.

Rob Welch and Tracey Hemming won the Tony Jerram Award, handed out by The Badsey Society, for their work at The Pub in a Club in Badsey.

The pair were particularly praised for setting up the Freedom Disco for people with disabilities.

The duo were unable to attend The Badsey Society AGM when the presentation is normally made, so Barbara Jerram, the widow of Tony Jerram and Maureen Spinks from the Badsey Society, attended the Valentine's Day Freedom Disco at The Pub in a Club.

Ms Spinks said: "We were overwhelmed and humbled by the sight of nearly a hundred young and not-so-young people having the time of their lives.

"It was obvious from the enthusiasm of all the people present that Tracey and Rob’s work is much appreciated.

"It is wonderful that the building, originally the Village School, more recently the home of the Royal British Legion, is once again being used as a vibrant community centre."

The award was first presented in 2009 in memory of Tony Jerram, the first Chairman of The Badsey Society, who died in April 2008.

The Freedom Disco night is now held every Tuesday night at The Pub in a Club.

They recently raised enough money to purchase a minibus so those that live further away can attend the disco.

An anonymous nomination for the pair said: “The nomination cannot be for one only as both have put in great effort to enable the ex-Royal British Legion Club building to be used as the new Pub in a Club which has enabled the various activities for social groups to continue which would not have a venue.

"Also, starting The Freedom Club for those who lack social skills but gives them a safe place to meet.”