TWO community heroes have been chosen for civic awards for lifetimes spent serving their community.

Mary Yates and Neil Brown are being celebrated for their years of voluntary work in Horwich.

Neil Brown, 73, is Horwich born and bred, and has been contributing to cycling in the town since he was just 16. Though he suffered a stroke last year, he is not slowing down and will soon be honoured on the Spirit of Sport monument for his contributions.

Mr Brown, of Buckingham Avenue, is now the chairman of the organising committee of Horwich Festival of Racing — an annual event favoured across the world, attracting runners from as a far as Ethiopia.

Mr Brown said: "[Getting the award] was unexpected. I like providing a service for the community. I enjoy what I do, but I'm just like everyone else, I've had ups and downs over the years."

Mary Yates, 79, has lived in Horwich all of her life and has been working in the community for more than 50 years.

Mrs Yates, of Church Street, began her community work in the Mothers' Union 52 years ago. Since then Mrs Yates became a founding member of the Horwich Women's Institute along with her involvement in Horwich Visiting Service, Horwich Heritage, the Civic Trust and many more.

She is still regular volunteer at lunch clubs for older people at Horwich Community Centre.

Mrs Yates said: "I'm very proud to have been awarded. It's nice to be recognised but I don't do it for that!"

She thanked her husband, Paul, saying: "Without a working partner, you can't do it."

Mrs Yates and Mr Brown's medals are currently being engraved and will be presented in a ceremony.