THE EXEMPLARY community work of a woman from Hill has been recognised with a special award from the leader of South Gloucestershire Council.

Ruth Kitson, 76, was presented with the council’s community award by Cllr Matthew Riddle for her efforts in helping to run a number of events in the village as well as for a number of groups in the Thornbury area.

A senior trainer at the Thornbury Dog Training Club, Ruth has worked to help hundreds of the four-legged members of the community and their owners come together over the years, having raised many to a gold standard, with a number also competing at regional and national levels.

Ruth has given a great deal of time over the years to horticultural groups and events, having started the Hill Village Show and run it for 20 years, also teaching classes in flower arranging, arranging flower festivals and currently serves as vice-chairman of the Thornbury Horticultural Society, where she helps to organise two large shows a year.

Her love of music is also put to good use, organising fundraiser music marathons as well as performing as a regular organist at St Michael’s Church and as a pianist in Southmead Hospital.

On top of all that, Ruth regularly organisers speakers and visits for the Severn Vale Smallholders.

Speaking to the Gazette, Ruth said that she was excited when she found out she had been nominated for the award, and even more so when she won.

She said: “Having received the mail for most things related to Hill in the past, I am quite used to getting letters from South Gloucestershire Council.

“That is quite a normal thing to turn up in the post so I thought nothing of it when another letter came through.

“To see I had won an award, well I was absolutely thrilled! I had no expectation of winning so it was a complete surprise.

“It is wonderful to have that passion recognised, but I do all these things simply for the love of doing them.”

Cllr Riddle presented the award to Ruth during the Thornbury Horticultural Society’s spring show on Saturday, March 25.

He said: “Ruth’s award is very well deserved indeed and she has made a real positive difference to the organisations she has been involved with over many years.”