The Salvation Army and the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists were presented with community service awards by Sir John Swan at the weekend.

The former Premier gave out the accolades at a banquet at the Fairmont Southampton on Saturday night organised by CableVision. The cable company organises the Salute to Service banquet every January to honour those who have received its quarterly awards for making a difference in the community.

The Salvation Army picked up its prize for its feeding programme for the needy, which has been running for ten years. Volunteers provide hot meals to those in need five nights a week.

Four of the eleven congregations of the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists have also organised feeding programmes, gaining them an award.

Both organisations received $2,000 from CableVision to help with their work in the community.

Deputy Premier Paula Cox was at the banquet and praised the award winners. "Both organisations represent a legacy of leadership in the Bermuda community," she said.

Terry Roberson, general manager of Bermuda CableVision, said: "Each of these organisations represents the best of Bermuda through their commitment to community and their will to make a difference in the lives of others."

Harold Minors received the first Rollin Nathan Community Award on Saturday for his work with young people at The Centre on Angle Street. The 51-year-old began working there aged 18 and has been a loyal employee ever since.

He said: "I feel young people need adult support. When I was growing up, I didn't have that. Everyone deserves the chance to grow and change and to make something of themselves."