A RETAIL group in Odiham and a volunteer in Long Sutton have received recognition for their work.

Delly Howard, from the InOdiham group, and Hilary Smith, received £125 each and a certificate at the latest meeting of Hart District Council.

The monthly awards scheme, held in partnership with Hart Voluntary Action, aims to recognise and reward members of the public or organisations for their help in the community.

Councillor Stephen Gorys, chairman of the district council, said: “Every month, we have been able to highlight the fantastic work going on behind the scenes in our district. All these winners have provided help in and for their local community.”

InOdiham was set up last year to improve the fortunes of the village’s High Street, and now has more than 40 members.

Taking inspiration from retail guru Mary Portas, the group has introduced a market selling vegetables and home-made bread to try and improve footfall in the village.

Mrs Smith holds a number of voluntary roles which help improve the lives of villagers in Long Sutton.

She is the chairman of the village’s tennis club, runs a Sunday school, is on the committee for the village fete and runs the church crèche.