They were presented with Civic Awards at Warwickshire College's Trident Centre on April 10.

District council chairman Coun Les Caborn (Con, LapWorth) described the new scheme, which he launched to mark his year in office, as a "great success".

He added: "Everyone who was nominated is a winner - they have all been recognised for the value they have given the community and the district."

Groups and individuals were nominated in four categories, which were community, culture, environment and business.

The group winner in the community section was Mid Warwickshire Neighbourhood Watch Association for its commitment to making the area safer.

Joint individual award winners were Wallsgrove Close resident Karen Reading, for co-ordinating food for the Lillington Co-op grocery scheme, and Mary Hodges from Kenilworth, for her dedicated work as a Brownie leader.

Ms Reading said: "I was very proud. It is difficult to put into words because I didn't expect to get an award for what I do because I enjoy it."

Mick Aston of Beaufell Close, Warwick, won in the culture category for his enthusiasm as a coach for Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club.

Group winner in the environment section was the Friends of Myton Pool, which meets regularly to carry out voluntary conservation work on the nature site.

Old Town pensioner Bobbie Dee was given the individual award in this category for helping transform the Eagle recreation ground into a thriving park over the last six years. Mrs Dee is often painting its benches, picking up litter or cleaning graffiti to make it as welcoming as possible.

Barford's Village Shop Group won in the business section for working to re-establish a store and post office in the area in less than two years after the last one closed.

Each of the winners received £250 to help their projects.

The council's next chairman Coun Judy Falp (Ind, Whitnash) will continue the awards scheme next year - as will her successor in 2010.