TWO INSPIRING retirees have both recently been honoured with prestigious awards in Wickwar.

The Reverend Canon David Russell and Philip Revill have been awarded the Freedom of Wickwar from Wickwar Parish Council - the highest honour a local council can bestow.

Reverend Russell is due to retire from The United Benefice of Wickwar with Rangeworthy, Hillesley, Charfield and Kingswood this week after more than 25 years of service in the area. 

He had also been a governor at Hillesley Primary School for 23 years. 

Meanwhile, Mr Revill is taking a break after volunteering at Alexander Hosea Primary School, assisting with the speed watch group, and overseeing both the Friends of the Church and the Neighbourhood Watch.

Both have been awarded the Freedom of Wickwar from Wickwar Parish Council - the highest honour a local council can bestow.

Last week's Wickwar Parish Council meeting concluded with a presentation event, with Chairman Steve Isaac presenting the freedom scrolls.

Clerk Sarah Quick from Wickwar Parish Council said: “Reverend Russell and David have both made this village a better place over many years and will be much missed. 

“They were both given the Freedom of Wickwar.”

Gazette Series: Philip Revill and The Reverend Canon David Russell with their Freedom of Wickwar scrollsPhilip Revill and The Reverend Canon David Russell with their Freedom of Wickwar scrolls (Image: Wickwar Parish Council)Gazette Series: Chairman Steve Isaac presenting the Freedom of Wickwar to The Reverend Canon David RussellChairman Steve Isaac presenting the Freedom of Wickwar to The Reverend Canon David Russell (Image: Wickwar Parish Council)Gazette Series: Chairman Steve Isaac presenting the Freedom of Wickwar to Philip Revill Chairman Steve Isaac presenting the Freedom of Wickwar to Philip Revill (Image: Wickwar Parish Council)