YOUNG Petersfield actress Anna Hughes was delighted – and surprised – to pick up a prestigious stage award in an evening of annual accolades handed out by the town’s mayor.

The talented 12-year-old, the daughter of Rev Will Hughes of St Peter’s Church, was only told there was to be a family outing to Petersfield Town Council’s annual meeting on Monday.

“I was moaning inside about that,” laughed Anna after receiving her Daniel Day Lewis Award, set up three years ago to recognise the acting promise of youngsters in the town aged 16 and under. “I had no idea this was going to happen, but I am very happy.”

Anna, who was nominated by Lion and Unicorn Players for taking on roles “with charm and ease” as a young boy in Peter Grimes and one of the Fates in Beowulf, was given a letter from Daniel Day Lewis and a Complete Works of Shakespeare.

Said Lion and Unicorn’s Kat Wootton, who directed Anna in Beowulf last summer: “She takes direction very well and understands what is being asked of her.

“I think audiences were very surprised to discover how young Anna was under the eerie Fate’s make-up and the veil”.

Stalwarts of the community, who had enhanced the town in many ways, were given mayor’s medals.

These are handed out each year at the authority’s annual meeting in the Rose Room of the Festival Hall.

These went to David Francombe, commander Clive Lewis, Gill Hancock, Vivien Pike, Anne Saunders and Doug Jones.

David Francombe, of the Lion and Unicorn Players, was recognised for his sterling work in music and theatre in the town, putting on concerts and plays.

Cmdr Clive Lewis was praised as being a “backbone of the Royal British Legion” locally, organising parades and commemorations.

Medals were also given to Gill Hancock, for her efforts for St Peter’s Church, to Anne Saunders of St Laurence Catholic Church, and to Vivien Pike, of the Friends of Petersfield Heath, who is retiring this year.

Buriton parish councillor Doug Jones was awarded too, for his work documenting local history, and as the town council’s representative on the South Downs National Park Authority.