Former Wairio farmers Carron and John Levett were awarded the Ohai Nightcaps Lions Club's 2020 community service award at the club's Monday night meeting.

The biennial award recognising public commitment, achievement, community service and leadership, was presented by Lions club president Nick Perham and second vice district governor Jerry Schuurmans.

Nightcaps Ohai Lions Club president Nick Perham, with award recipients John and Carron Levett

Both Carron and John are life members of the Ohai Nightcaps Rugby Club and Carron was also, for eight years, a medic and firefighter with the Ohai Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Chief fire officer John Hogg commended Carron on her consistent 100% effort and also the great help she was to the community during the recent COVID-19 lockdown.

The Levetts have both served on the local school boards during their children's education. John was also a past Lions club member.

Carron and John were humbled and honoured to receive the award and said they felt privileged to have lived in such a great community.

They said they had loved it and it was a great place to bring up their family.

While they had now sold their farm and retired to Manapouri, the club felt their legacy in the community would be long recognised and remembered.