COMMUNITY stalwarts from across the area have been honoured for their hard work and commitment by Somerset County Council chairman Cllr John Edney.

Cllr Edney presented 65 awards to people who have dedicated their time and energy to others at the annual chairman's awards evening held at Taunton Rugby Club last week.

In West Somerset, these included Watchet couple Malcolm and Glenda Bale, who have given over 50 years to the community.

In particular, the pair work with the town's cub and sea scouts, offer support to local young people and help to organise some of the town's popular festivals.

Another couple, Diane and Geoff Hooper of Williton, were jointly honoured.

Parish councillor Diane previously ran her own business in the village and supports a wide range of local activities, in particular, fundraising for the village hall project.

It is estimated she has helped to raise around £40,000, supported throughout by husband, Geoff, who has also given a lot of his time to the project.

Exmoor National Park Authority member and parish councillor John Bray of Winsford was honoured for his dedication to the moor and for acting as an ambassador for Exmoor's threatened qualities.

Robin Hewison of Dunster received an award for helping to transform a piece of waste scrubland into the village's Packhorse Playing Field.

With the support of his wife Judy, Mr Hewison has spent more than 42 years making the field one of the best in the county, as well as finding time to help a host of village clubs and organisations.

In Carhampton, Keith Jones has spent more than 30 years sharing his musical talents with Somerset residents.

He has given expert tuition to a huge number of young musicians, directing both the Minehead Choral Society and the Alcombe Singers and as the organist and choirmaster at Alcombe Church.

In Cutcombe, Sheralee Matravers was honoured for her work running the pre-school in Wheddon Cross for 17 years and her role as a childminder.

Dulverton Mayor Cllr Chris Nelder received an award for his town council and community work, as well as his contribution to motorsport, tourism and business enterprises.

Across in Stogursey, the mastermind behind the village's 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations, parish council chairman Cllr Allan Searle, was honoured for his community work.

Without Allan, many activities in Stogursey would not happen - from the annual flower show and duck race, to weekly indoor bowls and bingo sessions.

Another driving force behind village jubilee celebrations was also honoured in Brushford.

Barbara Wilson runs the Brushford Activity Group, working with children in the parish and helping to organise activities for them.

As well as organising the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, she also spearheaded the Golden Diamond Jubilee events ten years earlier and is currently organising an event for children to celebrate the Olympics.

In neighbouring Taunton Deane, Sarah Cartwright was honoured for her work as a postmistress in Lydeard St Lawrence and for her current role as editor of the newsletter, the Village Reporter.

She helps people to read and write letters and teaches basic computer skills, in between helping at village events, checking on patients returning home from hospital, working as a volunteer driver with Lydeard Lifts and teaching people pony and trap-driving skills.

In Wiveliscombe, active WI member Jean Holland received an award for more than 20 years of commitment to the organisation.

She has organised successful monthly Saturday markets in the community centre for the last 12 years and used funds raised at the market to upgrade the community centre kitchen, instal new carpets and curtains, a loop system for the hard of hearing and handrails installed.

She also purchased a computer for Wiveliscombe Surgery and continues to organise the day centre, even after her husband's stroke.

Cllr Edney paid tribute to the commitment of the award-winners.

He said: "The number of awards presented this year is the highest we have ever had so it goes to show that community spirit is alive and well and living in Somerset.

"We heard remarkable stories of what people in all walks of life carry out, things that might not otherwise happen without their goodwill."