The ‘jewel in the crown of Petersfield’ has been handed a glittering prize as the town’s open air swimming pool has received a prestigious accolade.

The Petersfield Society presented the pool with their Owl Award during their AGM in the United Reformed Church.

The group wanted to acknowledge the great lengths the pool team has made in creating an “accessible and welcoming facility” that allows swimming for all ages and budgets.

The award collected by trustee Sheila Spence on behalf of the pool is an annual honour with recent winners including 6a Vision and Petersfield Town Council for their skatepark extension.

The Petersfield Society lauded the improvements recently made to the pool as a “fine example of a community working together”.

A spokesperson said: “Despite the difficult economic climate the very active trustees, supported by local businesses and organisations, have achieved an impressive refurbishment and upgrade to this much-loved Petersfield landmark.”

Certificates of commendation were also handed to The Petersfield Bookshop, Petersfield Library and the Revd Canon Will Hughes of St Peter’s during the meeting.

The latter was praised for “widening the church’s support for the community” and lauded for his visible presence in the town during his 13-year tenure. He has ensured the church’s location in the heart of the town has been reflected in its activities and needs.

The “rich history” of the “remarkable” Petersfield Bookshop was also highlighted with the shop being labelled an “important contributor to the reputation and soul of the town”.

Petersfield Library was commended for offering a “remarkable range of services and drop-in sessions” for young readers and families and for providing “advice, education and encouragement” for bookworms and readers of all ages.

The group’s 77th annual meeting included a presentation by the Petersfield Area Beekeepers Association and talks about the Petersfield Society’s aims work.