A WOMAN'S tireless efforts for people with dementia will be recognised tonight when she gets a special award.

Lesley Benham will be the first recipient of the Ken Isaacs Memorial Rosebowl, which will be presented to her by his widow, Jacqueline.

The rosebowl, which will be awarded annually to the person whose ethos, good work, endeavour or kindness has most impressed the mayor during their year in office, is a tribute to former mayor's chauffeur Ken Isaacs, who died suddenly last October.

Mrs Benham, who is based in Melcombe Day Hospital at Weymouth Community Hospital, said: "This is wonderful news.

"Looking after people with dementia is so important, but we also offer a service to any elderly person with mental health problems.

"This accolade is for the whole team, not just for me, and it is very nice to be recognised."

Her award will come during the town's first mayoral presentation evening hosted by Weymouth and Portland Mayor David Harris at Weymouth Operatic Workshop's Park Street headquarters.

He will honour a number of individuals representing a variety of local organisations for work they have done which has impressed him.

The evening will start with the annual Good Citizens' Awards, recognising everything from fundraising and charity work to great acts of kindness to others within the community.

Mr Harris said: "I am delighted to have such a splendid evening as one of my last events as mayor.

"One of the delights of the role is the number of positive people Jenny and I have met and to celebrate this vibrant group in this way is very fitting.

"I regret the limit we have had to place on our own awards as so many people are doing so many good things in the borough.

"We would like to give special thanks to Lesley Benham for the ground-breaking work she and her team are undertaking with people suffering dementia and helping to keep their lives as normal as possible.

"Finally some of the activities we have undertaken would have been much more difficult without the support of the action team from Budmouth Technology College, so we would like to thank them and their teacher, Shelley Jones, for their support."

Among those to receive certificates will be David Carter for his work as chairman of the friends group ensuring Rodwell Trail has become a better place for everyone to use and enjoy.

Hazel Foster receives her certificate for Weymouth Museum administration work carried out on entirely voluntary basis for the last 15 years and for organising the museum volunteers.

Another certificate will go to Jean Hooper for her many years' service to Girl Guides and her continuing work at St Anne's Church, Radipole, while Gillian Paterson will be recognised for her voluntary work for the Littlemoor Community Action Group and for leading the local Brownie group.

Kate Sandercock will receive her certificate for her voluntary work supporting the Youth Offending Team and as a Guide leader for Upwey and Broadwey Guides while Jack and Catherine Irving will be recognised for their many years' service to South Dorset Caledonian Society and the Acting Caledonians in organising social and fundraising events for members and local charities.

Barbara Foggon will receive her certificate for the many years she has cared for injured birds, unwanted and ill-treated small animals while Roger Genge is to be recognised for voluntary work for St Nicholas School, Scouting and Girl Guides and for his work as chairman of the Nothe Friends Group.

Margaret Watts is to be recognised for her time given as a committee member and project co-ordinator for Weymouth Areas Seniors Forum and for supporting the Arrhythmia Alliance Charity while Christine Ralph will get her certificate for her continued support to the 2nd Radipole Girl Guides.

Other people to receive certificates include Helen Rettie, Norah Riley-Smith, June Morley and a group of young people from Budmouth Technology College for their support for the Mayor and Mayoress.