TWO Evesham organisations have become the first to receive a new gong created by the chairman of Wychavon District Council.

Growers United and Evesham Sea Cadets were chosen for the Chairman’s Award by Councillor Lynne Duffy and received the accolade on Tuesday (April 21) during a full council meeting.

Cllr Duffy said: “I have presented many awards during my year as chairman on behalf of Wychavon District Council but these have been chosen by officers or parish councils and I wanted something to present to the groups and community organisations which had impressed and inspired me personally.

“I felt Evesham Sea Cadets were worthy of recognition because they provide a range of opportunities to young people, both in this country and abroad, and they are supported by a fantastic team of volunteers.

“Growers United impressed me because their events are not only fun and they raise significant amounts of money for charity but the work they do in bringing a variety of nationalities and communities together is incredibly important.”

Commanding Officer CPO Keith Field, of Evesham Sea Cadets, said: “We have 80 cadets now and 50 adult volunteers which are vital to what we do.

“It’s an honour to receive this award on behalf of the entire unit.”

Vito Mauro, director of Vale Fresco and part of Growers United Ltd, added: “I’d like to thank the chairman for presenting us with this award - it’s an amazing achievement.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we have done and it makes us want to keep on going and raise as much money as we can.”

Growers United was set in autumn 2012 when a group of growers played in a friendly football match against Evesham United to raise money for a local charity, promote horticulture and to unite people from different communities.

Since these humble beginnings it has evolved into a tournament involving many teams and has raised more than £30,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research UK. It is hoped this year’s competition on July 18 and 19 will raise £20,000.

Meanwhile Evesham Sea Cadets have represented the UK at international events in Sweden, Canada and Bulgaria this year, been named the best unit in the South West of England region and won the Captain’s Cup from the head of the Sea Cadet Corps in the UK.

Members of the group have also achieved Duke of Edinburgh Awards and diplomas in marine engineering, music and public services, while three individuals have joined the armed forces.