Yesterday (Sunday March 1) saw the annual Axbridge Civic Service recognise two former Wessex Learning Trust students with awards for their exceptional contribution to the community.

Marcus Ham and Jess Cooksey (both alumnus of Axbridge First School, and Fairlands Middle School and the Kings of Wessex Academy in Cheddar) received the Youth Awards alongside other exceptional individuals from the town, from the mayor Kate Brown and other local dignitaries.

Jess was selected for her outstanding achievements in rugby, with her commitment and passion resulting in her not only playing for her schools, but also for Somerset and England SW division in the U15s and U18s.

She has also played for England U18s and for England rugby 7s when she played in two European Championships, one in France and one in Poland.

She is now studying at Durham University where she plays for the university first team and for Darlington Mowden Park Sharks.

Combined with this, she makes the journey to Windsor once a month to train with the England team and throughout this busy schedule still finds time to train youth teams and return to her family home in Winscombe whenever she is able.

Marcus received the award for his exceptional academic achievements and for his musical contribution to Axbridge.

Academically, he obtained A*, A*, A in his A-levels, with his hard work and commitment gaining him a place at Oxford University to read Arabic and German.

He is also an exceptional musician who has, since the age of 11, been one of the bell ringers in Axbridge.

As well as playing piano and euphonium to a high standard, he has often helped with occasions in the church, helped the younger children in the brass band of the Cheddar Valley Music Club and received a Gold Award from the Lions for his outstanding voluntary work.

As well as recognising our former students, the service was accompanied by the Kings of Wessex Brass Band, under the direction of Anne Higgs, who played hymns and gave a rendition of two traditional spiritual songs – Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.

Chief executive of the trust, Gavin Ball, said: "It is wonderful to see our students going on to do such incredible things with their lives and to have such a positive impact on the communities they have come from.

"I am very happy to see their achievements recognised by these prestigious awards."