Fifteen men and women have been hailed as unsung heroes for helping to keep their parish beautiful.

The residents were recognised during the most recent meeting of the Southampton Parish Council on March 31.

The recipients included Dave and Jocille Blakeney, who have cleaned the area between Henry VIII and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for four years, and are also planning a clean-up day with Keep Bermuda Beautiful for later this month.

Natasha Butterfield was praised for her work cleaning up the former Hands of Love building on Camp Hill Road, while Randall and Carol Bassett were recognised for trimming trees, cutting hedges and picking up trash along Church Road.

The Unsung Heroes Awards were established by Mr Bassett, a parish council member, to highlight the work of local residents.

“I saw several people cleaning and beautifying certain areas in the parish,” said Mr Bassett.

“I spoke with the council members about the Unsung Heroes Award and they supported the idea. Other council members also wanted to recognise people and it grew from there.

“I thought the Unsung Heroes Award would be a good idea to recognise individuals that have made and continue to make a contribution to the parish.

“I encourage other residents to do a little bit to help beautify the Southampton parish.”

Certificates were also awarded to Peter and Silvia Darling, Ashmead Ali, Susan Roblin, David Correia, Lee Tucker, Mitchell DeShields, and Anthony McKie.