A TEACHER and a community have been named as the first recipients of a new award for outstanding commitment and contribution to Wokingham borough.

Sukhdev Kaur Bansal from Wokingham, and Janet Woodruff from Shinfield, were presented with the brand new Wokingham Borough Mayor's Roll of Honour award by Cllr John Kaiser at the full Council meeting on Thursday, September 20.

Sukhdev, a qualified teacher, has been running Panjabi language classes for adults and children voluntarily for 35 years after realising the importance in the community to retain its own culture.

Supported by Ramgarhia Sabha Reading, her classes are held Friday evenings during school term at Maiden Erlegh School, in Silverdale Road, Earley.

There are currently 50 children attending classes, who are taught up to GCSE level, and success has been celebrated every year with more than 150 children achieving Panjabi GCSEs with outstanding grades.

Sukhdev has also worked with schools, scouts and other groups in the area to teach more about Sikhism.

Janet was nominated for being an active member of the Shinfield local community, distributing the community newsletter from the Community Flat, and Loddon Reach from Shinfield Parish Council come rain or shine.

She has also supported many of the borough council's activities on the Shinfield Rise estate by either encouraging people to attend or assisting in the event's running.

Janet was nominated by Zoran Matic, who said: "She’s always keen to lend her assistance wherever it is needed. She’s a person that almost everyone in her community knows through her pleasant and helpful attitude.”

Cllr John Kaiser, the Borough Mayor, said: “Wokingham Borough is full of fantastic people who make our communities special. I’m honoured to acknowledge the effort and contributions Janet and Sukhdev make to others. They volunteer tirelessly to make a real difference and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.

“We are looking for people who make that extra effort for others, maybe by fostering, volunteering or being a carer; there are many thousands of such people out there and we need to hear about them. For children and young people, we would like to hear about those who have overcome adversity.”

Any borough resident can be nominated for an award. Each month Cllr Kaiser and his deputy mayor Cllr Bill Soane will select worthy winners from those people nominated by members of the public. There will be children’s and adults’ categories and each winner will receive a lapel badge and scroll to mark their achievements.

To nominate someone, email the mayor’s office at mayoralsupport@wokingham.gov.uk.

Nominations should be no longer than 200 words and set out why the nominee should be considered for the award. For the children’s awards, outstanding achievements in sport or arts will be considered.