The HM Coastguard team at Watchet have been presented with the Somerset County Council Chairman’s Award – although the nature of their duties meant they were unable to attend the ceremony.

Instead, county Cllr Hugh Davies was asked to step up and accept it from Cllr Christine Lawrence on the coastguards’ behalf: “I was absolutely thrilled – it was a great honour,” he said.

Watchet Coastguard was established in 1861, and the citation read: ‘The committed team of 11 volunteers, aged 30 to 60, are on call 24/7, 365 days a year. They meet weekly to ensure they are trained for any circumstances they may encounter.

‘They are a tremendous asset for Watchet. Their expertise cover all coastal emergencies, First Aid and casualty care.

‘Due to their local knowledge and equipment, they frequently assist other emergency services, like the RNLI and air ambulance services.

‘In 2014, a member was given a Royal Humane Society (RHS) award, acknowledging acts of bravery in the saving of human life and for effecting successful resuscitation.’