HUNDREDS of unsung heroes from Crewe and Nantwich were given star treatment when the Mayor's Oscars ceremony took place.

And among the tales of achievement and community spirit, the unstinting dedication of one Nantwich lady has been recognised.

Mercia Davies from Manor Road in Nantwich was given the Mornflake Volunteer of the Year Oscar after being nominated by two separate people.

Mercia has been volunteering around Nantwich for over 10 years and is involved with numerous organisations and charities in the town.

The 64-year-old works as a day care assistant in Manor Court and The Almhouses residential homes, reads for the talking newspaper in Nantwich and also visits the blind.

She was involved with starting the Nantwich Neighbour scheme, which has now developed into Age Concern Nantwich and is involved with the Nantwich Christian Council and does a lot of work with St Anne's Church.

Mercia sings with the Liberty Bells, who do tours of the local homes, singing free of charge, and for the last few years she has given up her Christmas days to help cook meals at the Methodist Church.

The Rotary sleigh also benefits from Mercia's help and she often helps by collecting pensions and taking people to hospital.

"It is a fast moving world and the most precious gift you can give is your time to listen to and help people," Mercia said.

"If I can walk away leaving people laughing then it is worthwhile.

"I just do not like sitting around, I like doing things for people if it is going to make their life easier," she added,

Mercia was nominated for the Oscar by two of her friends, including Chris Billing, who organises the day care at Manor Court and the Almshouses.

Chris said: "She is absolutely super, and she gives so much of her time. On the nomination form you had to write a page about them, but I wrote three. She is fantastic.

"If anyone has got any problems she is there to listen," she added.

The story of Mercia was just one of many heard at the awards ceremony held at Nantwich Civic Hall.

Nantwich resident Melis Brereton received a Citizen's award while George Davies took home the Malcolm Case Trophy. The Globe pub won the Oscar for Best Floral pub while Alf Benbow accepted the award for Best Garden.

Borough Mayor, Cllr Terry Beard, said: "Everyone was a winner. It shows just what the people of Crewe and Nantwich are capable of achieving, not only for themselves, but for the benefit of others."