MEMBERS of a local rotary club have been given the most significant international award a Rotary club can receive.

Hexham Rotary Club has been awarded the Rotary Citation for 2020-21 for its work and commitment to serving and helping its community during the past difficult year.

Hexham Rotary is part of Rotary International, which has 1.2 million members worldwide and 35,000 clubs.

The Rotary Northeast District Governor for 2020-2021, Barbara Broadbelt, said: “During a year that was challenging for Rotarians around the world, clubs demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.”

The criteria for a citation includes targets for activities such as taking part in community projects, media presence, support for youth activities – including Rotakids, Interact and Rotaract groups for young people – and contributions to Polio Plus, a movement aimed at eradicating polio worldwide.

Hexham was one of only seven of of 50 plus North East groups recognised.

The others were Alnwick, Blyth, Darlington, Durham Elvet, Guisborough and Great Ayton, and Washington Forge.