SIX ‘outstanding’ candidates to be named Whitchurch’s Citizen of the Year have been announced by the town council.

The six candidates were all nominated by members of the public who will also now get the chance to decide who their winner is and be the person who switches on the town’s Christmas lights.

Mike McDonald, the town’s proper officer/clerk and the creator of the accolade during his tenure as mayor, set out the field of candidates as Iris Field, Judy Glover, Stephen Price, Jodie Meredith, Neil Moore and Dave Simcock.

READ MORE: Whitchurch Town Council launches 2024 Citizen of the Year

He said: “Iris was described as a ‘truly super volunteer’ dedicating more than 50 years supporting the Royal British Legion and fundraising for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

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“Moreover, helping out at the local Hearing Club, being a founder member of Whitchurch Town Twinning Association and President of the Queensway Playing Fields Association where at aged 89 Iris turns out on a Sunday to help organise the car boots.

“Judy is described as a wonderful person who volunteers at the Archibald Worthington Club helping out with their charity events and assisting with the dementia awareness group events.

“Stephen, according to his nomination, spreads joy and happiness through singing as he runs the Whitchurch Singers community group, welcoming people of all ages and abilities into the truly friendly group who love performing at community events.

“Over the last five years, Jodie has worked energetically to run a team of volunteers who raise money to look after cats – Cat Assist Team Whitchurch (CATW). She is in the process of setting up a charity cats café and a pet foodbank.

“Neil is a leading volunteer with Whitchurch P3 – a dedicated group who keep our footpaths clear and maintain stiles and gates, for all to enjoy our surrounding countryside.

“Neil was also chairman of Whitchurch Walkers for 40 years and still helps with the town’s popular Walking Festival.

“Finally, David is committed to raising awareness for prostate cancer, introducing the annual check event for local men with more than 900 testing this year.

“Supported by his colleagues in the Rotary Club and medical staff, the event takes a lot of fundraising and organising.

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“Over the years David and the team have undoubtedly saved countless lives.”

Voting can be carried via www.whitchurchtowncouncil.gov.uk or forms available in The Herald this week and in the Market Hall.

The vote closes on Sunday, November 10.