The long-standing chairman of Bungay Medical Centre's patient participation group has received the town's top award for her work.

Jenny Hyams was presented with the Civic Award at the annual Civic Evening held at the community centre on Friday. The award is given each year to someone who has given unstinting service to the town, often in an unsung way.

Mayor Judy Cloke said two nominations had been received for Mrs Hyams, who was about to retire as chairman of the group, which represents all 11,000 patients registered at Bungay Medical Practice.

She said: 'She has been instrumental in ensuring that patients have been informed and consulted regarding the services provided, not only by the medical practice, but also of hospital and community services.

'She has organised the annual patient survey, spending the best part of two weeks in the practice handing out and collecting the requisite number of questionnaires, analysing the outcomes and making recommendations to the practice.

'She is also active in the newly formed Patient Participation Group forum set up by HealthEast and has put forward the group's proposal for an annual patient survey, which could be used by all the practices in Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

'This would provide helpful comparisons on the performances of practices and how services may be improved.'

Mrs Hyams said she was surprised and honoured to receive the award.

'I would also like to thank my colleagues on the group, past and present, and also the practice,' she said. 'The group has been going for 10 years – I was one of the founder members in April 2004. It has been good, and I am sad to go, but it is the right time.'

Mary King, who has done volunteer work in Bungay over the years for many organisations, was presented with a highly commended framed certificate for her work.

A special award in the form of a framed certificate of appreciation was presented to representatives of the staff of contractors Keir MG, who over the past four months have been working to install Bungay's town enhancement scheme in St Mary's Street and the Market Place.

Mrs Cloke said the award recognised the cheerful, helpful and professional way the team had carried out the construction work.

The mayor and her husband, Brian, hosted the evening, the last main event in her year of office.

Have you received a special award for service to your community? Email louisa.lay@archant.co.uk with the details.