A WOMAN who has been the driving force in maintaining one of Hayle's most important buildings and a stalwart of its Surf Life Saving Club have been named as the town's two Citizens of the Year.

Esme Jelbert is a trustee of the committee which works to preserve the Passmore Edwards Institute, the town's most prominent civic building since it was built in 1896.

As well as acting as secretary to the trustees, she has been a prime mover behind fundraising which has enabled more than £120,000 to be spent on maintenance, refurbishment and repairs in three years.

Mayor John Bennett, who presented her with her award, said: "Esme has been an inspiration to her fellow-trustees and to everyone who has witnessed her dedication over the past year, when she has had to cope with major health issues. Without Esme's energy and perseverance, the progress in improving the facilities of the Passmore Edwards Institute building, for the benefit of so many people in Hayle, would have been far less effective."

Hayle's Male Citizen of the Year is Gilbert 'Gil' Tredinnick, a founder member of the Hayle Surf Life Saving Club who has given 50 years of service to the Hayle community.

The club has 200 members and encourages many youngsters to become involved in surf lifesaving.

Other awards went to flautist Bliss Ellis, who was named Young Person of the Year for her support as a musician to many groups in the town.

The Organisation of the Year award went to Angarrack Christmas Lights Committee – formed in 2003, who have developed their displays every year, culminating in one on the theme of the Twelve Days of Christmas in 2010 which was installed in some of the coldest and wettest weather for many years.

The 1st Hayle Cub Pack won the Youth Organisation of the Year, having celebrated their centenary by planting a tree at the Millpond.

They have regularly supported the town's Civic Parade, Remembrance Day Parade and the St George's Day Parade.