TWO Bewdley stalwarts will be given special awards to mark their service to the community tonight.

Bewdley Town Council is holding a ceremony at the town hall to honour Ken Hobson and Janet Ince.

The civic award scheme was set up by former town mayor Paul Gittins last year. He described it as "the council's way of saying thank you to those who have given their time to help others".

Mr Hobson, 74, is being recognised for his work with Bewdley Civic Society, which he has chaired for the past nine years, and also as vice-chairman of the Bewdley Town Centre Management Forum. Ken Hobson

Funeral director, Mrs Ince, 60, has always lived in the town and is involved with a host of local organisations including the Bewdley Carnival Association and Horticultural Society. Janet Ince

Both will be given a medal and certificate at the ceremony, which begins at 7.30pm.

Six people received awards when the first set of honours were announced last year.

Former solicitor Mr Hobson joined the civic society in 1963 and became chairman when he retired. His role involves checking on planning applications and "promoting Bewdley, encouraging people to take an interest".

"I'm very pleased they have given me this award, very proud," he said.

Mrs Ince, who is also president of Bewdley's Floral Art Club and the Pound Green and Button Oak women's institute, said news of her award had come as "a bit of a shock".

She added: "I was nominated by somebody - I didn't know what it was about."

As well as being secretary of the floral arts section of Bewdley Horticultural Society she is responsible for the Bewdley Carnival Queen float, and will take over as president of the Kidderminster branch of the international women's organisation, the Sorop- timists next week.

"I just try to put a bit back," Mrs Ince added.