THE community group responsible for revamping Batchley Pool have had their hard work recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Batchley Support Group was given a highly commended certificate at the Worcestershire Community Pride Awards, organised by Worcestershire County Council and the Environment Agency.

When the group first started the makeover of the pool during the summer, the initial work they carried out, which included installing a mosaic, was trashed by vandals.

Group chairman Maureen Muckle said: "We were obviously very upset when our hard work was ruined by a few people.

"But in fact it just made us more determined to finish the job.

"In the end, many more people of all ages got involved and made their own mark on the mosaic."

Mrs Muckle added: "We were delighted that the efforts of Batchley Support Group have been recognised in this way and are grateful to the BBC Hereford and Worcester Voices project for helping to make the makeover project a success.

"We are only a small group of local people but we are very busy making Batchley a better place to live. We hope this award will encourage more people to get involved in what we do."

The group has also secured funding to open a community caf in Poplar Road which is due to open next year.

Maureen Muckle with young helpers Ella Ford, five, and Jamie Whitby, 14.