SEVERAL organisations and individuals were highly commended in the A Place to be Proud of Awards.

Basingstoke firefighters Jerry Leonard and Paul Murray were both highly commended in the Safe Community section for their brave work, both in Basingstoke and overseas.

In the Healthy Community category, tribute was paid to the work of the School Health nursing team from Basingstoke.

Each one of the 14 nurses is responsible for approximately 3,500 pupils. Co-ordinator Chris Warner said: "I'm absolutely delighted, and the team will be really chuffed. School nurses do not get a lot of recognition, and this is a boost."

Basingstoke-based theatre company Proteus picked up an award in the Creativity section. The company plays a key role in the provision of performance and participatory opportunities for the community, producing a programme of touring shows, projects, workshops and theatre-based training events.

Director Mark Helyar said: "I'm very proud of Proteus and the team we work with."

Meanwhile, Jim Dixon, Basingstoke rugby club's development officer, was recognised in the Learning category for bringing the sport to local schools and for also getting troublesome teenagers interested in rugby. He said: "I feel very honoured. The whole idea is to give young people the opportunity to participate and have a chance."

Anne Blackmore, of Basingstoke's Shopmobility scheme, said being highly commended in the Customer Service category was a big thank you to all the volunteers and staff.

She said: "It's always so nice to have hard work recognised. It's a real team effort. Without the support of our sponsors and supporters and the hard work put in, we would be nothing."

The Vyne picked up a highly commended accolade in the Sense of Place section. Visitor service manager Sarah Freeman said: "It's wonderful for The Vyne and the 300 volunteers who work there. Most of the people who work there are local to the Basingstoke area and are proud to be part of Basingstoke."

Former borough mayor Chris Evans, who was highly commended in the Good Citizen award, is connected with two other winners - Shopmobility and the Sports Centre - and he was delighted with their success.

He said: "Basingstoke is my home town and I have always been a part of it. These awards just go to show what we can do and I'm particularly pleased the two organisations that I'm involved with have been recognised."

Article first published on Thursday, April 1, 2004