WATCHET community stalwart Jean Howe has been named as a Somerset Star Volunteer for her sterling charity work. She was named this week as the West Somerset winner of the inaugural Somerset Celebrating Volunteers and Somerset You Can Do awards. Held to mark National Volunteers' Week, winners from each of the county's five districts were chosen from 150 nominations, culminating in an awards ceremony at Somerset County Council's headquarters in Taunton. Jean, who has been made an MBE for her community work, has volunteered for some 57 years, most recently helping to run Watchet's Phoenix Centre. "We provide lunches for older people three times a week and that includes Christmas Day when we help to get people together and have lunch and, hopefully, send them home with some happy memories," she said. "I'd like to encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering and has an hour or two to spare to get in touch with Watchet Phoenix Club." Bryan Mitchell, manager of Somerset You can Do, said it had been a privilege to co-ordinate the awards. "To have over 150 nominations in the first year has been amazing and shows how much people in Somerset value volunteers," he said. "I am looking forward to next year and the chance to meet even more Somerset Star Volunteers." Successful entries were selected at random by Somerset County Council's cabinet member for adult social care Cllr William Wallace, who gave out the awards. Each had a star named in their honour and were presented with 'star' awards and certificates. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Cllr Wallace praised volunteers for their efforts. "It is fantastic that we can recognise just a few of our dedicated volunteers here today," he said. "These individuals can be extremely proud of the selfless work they undertake in our county. "Volunteers are unsung heroes that do so much without asking for anything in return and I would personally like to thank all volunteers in Somerset for their work and also Somerset You can Do for putting this together."