TWIN sisters from Carterton who look after their disabled mother have received the town’s first exceptional citizen award for young people.

Tim Stevenson, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, presented the Exceptional Citizen’s Awards to residents at a reception at the Town Hall after they were nominated by people in the community.

Twin sisters Sophie and Lucy Riley, who are 11 and from Cranwell Avenue in Carterton, received the first Mayor’s Award for Young People.

Carterton mayor Norman MacRae said: “Sophie and Lucy are Year Six pupils at Gateway Primary School where they have contributed in many ways to school life.

“Their mother has had a number of medical problems which have sadly left her disabled. Both the girls have provided great support at home for their mum and dad.”

The twins’ father Paul, 44, said the twins had been extremely helpful around the house, helping to look after his wife Sandra, 43, after she had a hip replacement operation about two years ago.

The RAF sergeant, an engineer based at RAF Brize Norton, added: “Sandra still needs to use a wheelchair and the girls are very good at helping out. I am delighted they have got this award.”

Other recipients included Brownie Pack leader Pam Howard, 66, of Lime Tree Close, Carterton, who ran 2nd Carterton Brownies in Carterton for 37 years, and Val Townsend who received her award for her dedicated service to the Carterton Branch of the Royal British Legion. In the last seven years, Mrs Townsend raised £26,760 for the RBL.

This is the fifth year that Exceptional Citizen’s Awards have been made. Previous recipients include Rev Roger Billings for his significant contribution to the public life in the town and Graham Evans for his work on behalf of Save the Children.