Unsung heroes of the Knowle West community have been presented with Hearts and Stars awards.

Sixty people aged 17 to 77 were nominated for the annual awards which go to those who give up their time and energy for others and for their neighbourhood.

Lyn Caple, 60, of Novers Park Drive, received the Outstanding Achievement award after her successful campaign to get First to reinstate a bus service for Leinster Avenue.

Rose Manning, who presented the award, said: "When the 89 bus was taken off it left about a third of Knowle West with no bus access to Bedminster. It was very difficult, especially for the elderly or disabled.

"People were encouraged to make their voices heard. As with most campaigns, there is often one person taking a lead, and in that was Lyn Caple."

Mrs Caple said: "I was very embarrassed. It's not me to have all this fuss."

Bob Whatley, 69, of Instow Road, was the reluctant recipient of the Good Neighbour award.

Mr Whatley, a former housing manager, who moved to Knowle West from Denver, Colorado, 27 years ago, shows his kindness in many ways.

The father of five took his neighbour's child to school when their car broke down, took on suspected thieves with his walking stick and delivered meals to a pensioner.

He taught young people carpentry skills and one young man now runs his own business as a result. He also volunteered at the Sofa Project and a jobs scheme for young people. Mr Whatley said: "I thought there were other people more deserving."

Ken Jones, who has spent his whole life volunteering in Knowle West, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.

Just a few of his many achievements and activities are Scout leader, church volunteer, chairman of Knowle West Development Trust, founder member of It's a Man Thing, walks leader and board member at the Knowle West Health Park and board member of Knowle West Health Association.

Betty Butler, 77, who was a walking group leader with Knowle West Health Park, died just three days before she was due to be presented with a joint award with her friend Marion Davis of Ponsford Road, Knowle.

Mrs Davis collected the award for people who give their time and talents to Knowle West but live outside the area. Health Park manager Vicky Morris said: "Nothing ever flustered her. She will be greatly missed."

Retired Baptist minister Jane Grinonneau, 64, of Daventry Road, was nominated for the churches award by Reverend Kenneth Suckling. She has set up a variety of groups and is always ready to help young people.

At first she did not want to accept the award and said in a letter: "The Knowle West people have given me so much it would be inappropriate for my 'learning and doing' gained through them and with them to be singled out for recognition but a big thank you for the thought."

Tarn Martlew-Pickering, 17, of Knowle West Media Centre, was presented with the Youth award for volunteering and "always willing to lend a hand at the drop of a hat".

Team Fab, which strives to rid Knowle West of plastic bags, won the Group award. Members meet weekly to make fabric bags which are sold at community events and in local shops.

Heather Pickford, of Inns Court Green, collected the Newcomer award. She has been the energy champion for the 'carbon makeover' project for the past year.

Debbie Daniels, who has given many years of voluntary service to the re:store project in Filwood Broadway, received the Quality of Life award.

Gloria Tucker, who runs arts projects, was delighted to be nominated for the Older Person award. She was nominated by Stacey-Marie Phillips who said: "If it wasn't for her hard work with Knowle West arts promotions I would most probably be on the streets causing trouble."

The People's Choice award went to June McNeil who has been a volunteer at The Park in Daventry Road for two years. Many people nominated Mrs McNeil for her "great impact" on young people.

The awards evening, held at Filwood Community Centre, was organised by Rose Manning, Kylie Manning, Ann Smith and Denise Britt.