FAITHFUL worshippers have been honoured for their service to the church and their local communities.

Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, presented the stalwarts with a St Thomas Award to mark their commitment during a special evensong service at Portsmouth Cathedral.

It is the fourth year the bishop has rewarded churchgoers across our diocese with this award, which is named after St Thomas a Becket.

Among the recipients was John Matthews, the former Isle of Wight coroner, who is part of the congregation at St John’s Church, Newport. He has been the organist there for 39 years and a member of the choir for 50 years.

He now chairs the group seeking to transform the church building and its grounds to be more effective in mission and community engagement.

The Rev Di Netherway, from Northwood and Gurnard, is another long-serving member of the church.

She has been chaplain at St Mary’s Hospital for more than 20 years, visiting weekly and helping with Sunday worship monthly.

She voluntarily goes on call when the chaplaincy is short-staffed, and serves faithfully in her parishes too.

George Westcott, 29, is one of the youngest churchwardens in the diocese and has also been playing the organ at St Boniface, Bonchurch, since he was 16.

He was described as having a huge pastoral heart for both the church and the local community, illustrated by his devotion as a full-time carer for his mother.

Also receiving an award, but unable to be at the cathedral, was Barbara Holbrook, of St Mary’s Church, Carisbrooke.

She has held a host of parish roles, including being a reader, churchwarden and bible study group leader.

Her ministry has involved many years of pastoral visiting and leading funerals, and in her 80s has continued to offer respite care to those who need it.

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