A Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and a Mansfield District Council warden, who went beyond the call of duty to help an elderly woman who was twice the victim of burglary, have been rewarded for their dedication.

PCSO Amanda Parkes and warden Frank Redmond were among five heroes to receive a Mayor’s Commendation Award at a full meeting of Mansfield District Council.

The other recipients of the award from mayor Kate Allsop were Carole Cantrell, who has been volunteering for the past 40 years in tenants’ and residents’ groups in Mansfield, and husband and wife team Eddie and Kath Ratcliffe, who have worked at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre for many years.

Just before Christmas PCSO Parkes and Mr Redmond called on an elderly resident, who they went on to befriend, after they noticed her home was starting to look unkempt.

They wondered if she was coping and discovered that she was struggling and had no family or friends available to turn to for support.

Following their initial visit, PCSO Parkes and Mr Redmond visited the lady regularly and struck up a friendship.

A few weeks later they found her in shock after £240 was stolen during a distraction burglary at her home.

Her house was then ransacked again and £1,000 taken.

The woman was left in panic, but PCSO Parkes and Mr Redmond were again there to help.

The woman is now in a residential home and being well cared for — and PCSO Parkes and Mr Redmond still visit her regularly.

Mayor Allsop said: “I cannot thank Amanda and Frank enough for the support they gave to this lady and the difference it made.”

The Mayor also commended the work of Carole Cantrell who, despite suffering from medical problems, has volunteered with tenants’ and residents’ groups, assisted the council’s homeless department, helped NHS Health Watch by working as a disability form filler and benefits adviser, and volunteered with the Oak Tree Conservation Group.

“Our communities need committed residents such as Carole who go above and beyond for others,” said Mayor Allsop.

Her final awards went to long-serving council employees Eddie and Kath Ratcliffe for their work at the Palace Theatre and voluntary work with amateur theatre groups.

Mr Radclffe, who has worked in the council’s architecture department since 1979, has also put in many hours at the Palace Theatre as part of the stage crew.

Mrs Radcliffe started as a dancer in productions and went on to help behind the scenes, and then work front of house at the theatre.

Mayor Allsop said: “Not only have Eddie and Kath given up their own time, but I also know that they have used holiday time away from work to volunteer.

“I want to thank them both for all their years of input into the theatre and the time they have given up to help make successful performances happen.”

The mayor’s awards are handed out at each full council meeting and are chosen from nominations. Councillors and members of the public can nominate a person to receive a commendation by emailing [email protected] giving reasons why a group or individual should be commended.

Pictured is Carole Cantrell, front, with, from left, mayor Kate Allsop, Mansfield District Council neighbourhood warden Frank Redmond, PCSO Amanda Parkes, Kath Ratcliffe and Eddie Ratcliffe.