A 91-YEAR-OLD resident who has spent the past 20 years sweeping the streets of Hamilton was yesterday rewarded for her charitable act.

Agatha Lambert, of Laffan Street, decided in 1984 it was time she did something about the increasing levels of dirt surrounding her neighbourhood. Every day since then, she has taken a broom to the streets in an attempt to remove the debris left by others.

Her efforts were spotted by CableVision employees, who nominated Ms Lambert for an initiative the company intended to launch and acknowledge on a quarterly basis ? Community Service Awards.

"For our first Community Service Award, we didn't have to look far from our own neighbourhood," said Jeremy Elmas, the company's general manager.

"Ms Lambert lives on Laffan Street and each day we see her out with a broom, helping to keep this area clean. CableVision employees nominated her because she is an example of someone putting herself before others, and cares enough to make a difference in the community.

"We commend her actions and want the public to be aware of her initiative and commitment."

Yesterday, CableVision presented Ms Lambert with a 27-inch television. In addition, she will receive free cable for three months.

"It was just too dirty out there and I knew I could do something about it," Ms Lambert said of her actions. "I'm slowing down a bit now, but I'm still out there every morning picking up the trash that people throw on the road side."

She added that the honour was an unexpected treat and that the tangible gifts would come in useful.

"It will be nice to have a new television," she said. "I had to throw mine out about five years ago because it was too small for me to see."

Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp and Minister of Community Affairs & Sport Dale Butler were also present at the special ceremony.

"Ms Lambert sets an example for all of us," said Mr. Mapp. "If we all pitch in a little, everyone benefits. It is important that we recognise those in our community who stand out by making a contribution, no matter how small or large and it is my pleasure to present Ms Lambert with a citation for her dedication to the City.

"We commend CableVision for creating this recognition programme and look forward to seeing future recipients from across Bermuda."

Mr. Butler agreed that the programme was an important one.

"I congratulate Agatha Lambert on being awarded CableVision's first Community Service Award," he said. "She is to be commended for going that extra mile in helping out her local neighbourhood. Ms Lambert is a great example of the good work that is being done throughout our community and I encourage others to send in their nominations to CableVision."

CableVision will present its second Community Service Award next April. Residents are invited to nominate any Bermuda resident they feel is deserving of the accolade.

"Our employees chose the first recipient to launch the programme," said Mr. Elmas. "Going forward, a committee, comprised of CableVision employees Rollin Nathan and Sharai Woods, Bermuda Broadcasting Company personality Everest DaCosta, DeFontes radio host Shirley Dill, police media manager Dwayne Caines and community activist Cromwell Shakir, will review all nominations and select a winner.

"We invite the public to nominate any individual residing in Bermuda who has shown outstanding community service via an organisation, or on their own, or perhaps through their school, church, or neighbourhood group."

Nominations may be e-mailed to CableVision on rnathancablevision.bm or mailed to the attention of Rollin Nathan, Bermuda CableVision, PO Box 1642, Hamilton HM GX.