unsung coronavirus heroes were this week recognised for their invaluable community work during the pandemic by becoming the first-ever winners of the Somerset Medal. 

The awards, launched by Somerset County Council, were announced as the county celebrated Somerset Day. 

There were 11 in West Somerset - Lewis Lintern, Colin Tennant, Linda Newton, Karen Harvey, Dr Ian Kelham, Georgina Lloyd, Helen Stacey, David Milton, Pete Mountstephen, Matthew Hopkins and Claire Bristow.

Winners included vaccination volunteers, food deliverers, PPE producers, pop-up shop keepers and a whole host of other good Samaritans who all went above and beyond to make sure Somerset kept going during the pandemic. 

County council leader, Cllr David Fothergill, said: “The number and quality of the nominations we received were quite astounding. It was humbling and immensely heartening to read so many stories of how people have responded so positively to the coronavirus crisis, putting others’ wellbeing first.”

The cross-party judging panel reviewed every nomination before coming to their decision on the winners, and all nominees will receive a letter from the panel thanking them for their efforts. 

Due to the high quality of the entries and the number of worthy community groups put forward, the judges agreed to open up the award to a second round of nominations  – this time for community groups and teams.  

*To nominate  a group, submit a maximum of 250 words, providing the nominee’s name and location, describing why they deserve the medal, providing your name and contact details. Email details [email protected]?. The second round closes on Monday May 31, with the announcement of winners to follow. 

 Winners will receive their medals later this year when Covid restrictions allow. 

Read about the winning heroes in today’s Free Press.