TWO inspiring members of Otley’s community have had their achievements recognised.
Rhona Smith and Emeli Mumford were honoured at Otley Town Council’s Annual General Meeeting this week.
Rhona, a long-serving Otley Carnival committee member and supporter of a number of other community events, was made an Honorary Citizen of Otley.
Seventeen year old Emeli meanwhile, a charity fundraiser, singer and songwriter, was presented with an Otley Achievement Award.
Town Mayor Councillor Peter Jackson praised the Prince Henry’s Grammar School student for the fundraising song she created, Dear Santa, after seeing a news report about the plight of Syrian refugees.
The song, which was performed - with a choir of local children she had organised - on TV and radio shows and a number of live events last winter, raised more than £1,500 for Save the Children.
Cllr Jackson said Emeli had set an inspiring example for other young people to follow - all while keeping up her studies for her A levels, filling roles in musical productions and the finals of a national talent contest.
He said: “She’s a credit to herself and her family and an asset to her community.”
He also praised Rhona for actively supporting a number of community events, and especially the carnival, over several decades.
He said: “She’s probably best known for her involvement with Otley Carnival and has been a member of the organising committee since it started 35 years ago.
“Rhona has thrown herself into making it a successful family event and has really got behind the spirit of the carnival.
“She is an unsung hero in our town who just gets on and makes things happen.”
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