St Helen's Church Head Chorister Annabel Fraser is the recipient of the Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Civic Youth Award for 2023.

The Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Councillor Chris Smith, announced the accolade at Monday's council meeting.

Cllr Smith said: ""I am very pleased to be able to announce that the successful recipient of the Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Civic Youth Award for 2024 is Annabel Fraser. The Town Council unanimously agreed that the award should go to Annabel."

To quote from her nomination: "Annabel has been a member of St Helen's Choir since she was eight. Over the years, she has grown in confidence and has developed greatly as a church musician and chorister. She is now studying for her A levels, including music. Annabel is in her third year as Head Chorister.

"She gets on with her roles and responsibilities as Head Chorister without fuss, whilst maintaining her sense of humour and fun.

"It goes without saying that Annabel's voice is clear and strong, but, as Head Chorister she has also shown outstanding leadership – supporting other 'trebles' in the full choir, and a very kind and caring approach with younger members of our Junior Choir.

"Her loyalty and commitment to St Helen's Choir is excellent; and even during last summer when, in the midst of her GCSE exams, she was rarely absent.

"All of these impressive qualities mean that Annabel is an excellent example to all the other young singers."

Cllr Smith added: "The Town Council agreed that Annabel is a very worthy winner of the Civic Youth Award."

The award was presented to Annabel, by the Town Mayor, Cllr Avril Wilson.

The Town Council Civic Award is presented annually to a member of the public who, in the opinion of the council, has made a significant contribution to the town and the parish.

Nominations for the award are made by members of the public and a decision is made by the Town Council.

The Town Council Civic Youth Award was established in July 2016, to recognise the contribution of a young person to the community of Ashby de la Zouch.