THIS weekend sees the return of the annual Cross of St Piran awards on Saturday, March 8.

A number of local recipients from across the Duchy will be presented with the award at a service in Perranzabuloe at St Piran’s Church.

During two services, 20 people will receive the Cross of St Piran from Bishop Hugh Nelson in recognition for their work in their churches and communities. For the first time, schools have also been invited to take part.

The Cross of St Piran is an annual award which is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service. They are largely nominated by their peers and can be recognised for everything from length of service to specific projects.

Fourteen crosses are to be handed out to those across the diocese.

They include Judith Ayers (East Wivelshire), Annette Buchanan (Kerrier Deanery), Ruth Berreta and Philip Gilbert (Carnmarth North Deanery), Jacqui Bennett (Carnmarth South Deanery), Tony Cruddas (Powder Deanery), Viv Farmer (Pydar Deanery), Ian Gordon (West Wivelshire Deanery), Stephen Rivers and Edwina Sleeman (St Austell Deanery), Rob Tremain (Trigg Major Deanery), Ellen McConnell (Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery) and Robert Corney (Stratton Deanery).

There are also six awards to be given out to people in church schools which include Fiona Harvey (Antony School), Abigail Jessop (The Bishops’ Church of England Learning Academy), Hayley Pitman, Sarah Wilkins (Headteacher of St Meriadoc School), Jon-Joe Wilson (St Dominic Church of England Primary School).