A HOST of West Somerset community stalwarts have been honoured for their commitment to the district by the chairman of Somerset County Council, Cllr John Edney.

Each year, people are invited to nominate residents who they think have made a difference to their local communities.

This year, seven awards have so far been presented to eight residents for their tireless work.

In Watchet, Mark and Jackie Bale were hailed as the "backbone" of the Watchet Live Community Interest Company, formerly Watchet Carnival Club.

The organisation organises events throughout the year in the town, ranging from a safari evening, a fancy dress wheelbarrow race and a pudding evening to Watchet Carnival and the popular Watchet LIVE music festival.

They also raise money for local charities, community projects and the Children's Hospice South West.

Fellow Watchet resident Molly Quint also received an award for her role as a lead member of numerous community groups.

She has instigated local events and put many younger people to shame with her boundless energy and willingness to get physically involved in projects that benefit and promote the town.

She was nominated as it was felt many community events would simply not happen without her commitment and support.

In Stogursey, Ron Dyer was honoured for his outstanding commitment to the community.

He is currently chairman of the village hall and youth club committee and has worked tirelessly to secure funding for projects to improve facilities.

He is also involved in many activities in the village, helping to organise events such as short mat bowling, exercise to music classes, bingo evenings and line dancing.

In his spare time he mows the grass around the village hall grounds.

Across in Brompton Ralph, Roy Takle received an award for being both a valued, long-standing parish council member and for the support and advice he has given to many other parish councils in the area.

He is described as being the "backbone" of Brompton Ralph Cricket Club for over 50 years and was responsible for the purchase of the cricket ground and encouraging young people to take up the sport.

Additionally, Nettlecombe Parish Council added its own thanks to Mr Takle for all he had done to assist and support them over the last 50 years.

He was also praised for being an excellent representative of the county council, dealing with people from all walks of life in a courteous and friendly manner, through his former role as a member of the highways department.

Jenny Gibson, the editor of Williton Window, the village's church and community magazine, received an award for her hard work, helping to keep local people in touch with each other.

She not only edits, but encourages and cajoles the community to share their news and views in the magazine and recently set up a website for Williton Window.

She is also involved in the Talking Newspaper whose members enable the visually impaired to enjoy the West Somerset Free Press.

And as a keen walker, she leads the Williton Wanderers in their walks, which take place once a month.

Over in Luxborough, parish council member June Henson was honoured with a chairman's award for her long-service to the authority.

She was chairman for a great many years and her nominator said nobody deserved the award more than she did.

Mrs Henson was described as a "wonderful lady" and "a true inspiration to all those fortunate enough to know her".

Another parish councillor, this time Cutcombe Parish Council chairman for the past 30 years, Roger Webber, was also presented with an award.

He was praised for his outstanding and tireless work for the Exmoor community, his service as a district councillor for eight years and for being a member of Exmoor National Park Authority for 12 years.

At the authority, he has played a leading roll in its conduct and was described as an "exceptional" chairman of its planning committee for eight years.

Mr Webber is also a trustee for local charitable organisations and a member of the parochial church council

Two awards remain outstanding - to West Somerset Council chairman and well-known Watchet fundraiser Cllr Tony Knight and former district council chairman and Red Cross volunteer Cllr Eddie May.

The pair were unable to attend the official presentation evening and will be given their awards in the coming weeks when Cllr Edney attends a future meeting of the district authority.