A CLEVEDON community group has been put forward for a prestigious award to recognise its efforts to improve the town centre.

Clevedon Pride is in the running for a Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition a volunteer organisation can receive for its work.

The group celebrates its fifth anniversary this year and, since being formed, its members have worked tirelessly to tidy up and maintain the Queens Square shopping area while also raising money its annual Christmas lights display.

Clevedon Pride also holds events throughout the year and this summer hopes to put on a programme of live music and entertainment performances to attract more people to the square at weekends, for which it has received a grant from Clevedon Town Council to help pay for equipment.

Chairman Jo Lea-Jones said: “The fact we have been nominated for such a prestigious award is fantastic.

“It is recognition for everything we have done for the past five years.”

Clevedon town councillor Carole Wring, who filled out the nomination for Clevedon Pride to receive the award, said: “They have made such a difference to the whole area of Queens Square.

“It was run down and there were a lot of shops closing – it became a no-go place.

“But, since Clevedon Pride began working to tidy up and improve the area that has all changed.

“I felt they really did deserve some recognition for their public service and making a difference to our lovely town.”

In December, Jo was interviewed about Clevedon Pride’s work by John Laycock, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, and it will be announced later this year whether Clevedon Pride has been successful in winning the award.