TWO Bury heroes who were awarded the British Empire Medal have been praised by the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Dorothy Gunther.

Sharon Bannister and Daniel Savage were met by Cllr Gunther at an award ceremony for meritorious civil or military service, held at Salford Civic Centre.

Awards were presented to eight unsung Manchester heroes by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren J.Smith.

Cllr Gunther said: "Sharon and Daniel have done tremendous work over a long period of time and thoroughly deserve to be recognised for this with the British Empire Medal.

"It was a pleasure to meet them and hear about how their efforts have benefitted the local community."

Ms Bannister has been central to the transformation of Sunnybank Community Centre in Bury Road, and has highlighted problems affecting young members of the North Manchester Jewish Community as director of the Through New Eyes research project.

She is also a supporter of local charity Y.O.U. Care and is President of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester

Mr Savage has supported the Brookvale Care Home in Prestwich for 20 years, including young adults with learning and physical disabilities, overseeing a modernisation programme and leading several successful fundraising initiatives placing the home on secure financial footing.

He is also Manchester Reform Synagogue President, which he has served for 18 years.