AN Exford man instrumental in everything from creating a thriving youth club to affordable housing and a renewed church building has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list for his services to the community.

Robin Ashburner, 78, was the only person from West Somerset to win the award.

A former farmer who moved to the village from Wales,Robin is well known as a flag maker and former president of The Flag Institute, has been instrumental in numerous thriving aspects of Exford community life.

He was previously asked by the vicar to help restore St Luke’s Church in Simonsbath, where the roof was falling off.

He raised £300,000 and guided restoration including everything from a new roof and heating, to new toilets and seating.

Robin was also instrumental in getting nine affordable houses built in the village, and in the rejuvenation of a derelict cricket pavilion and disused cricket pitch, which is now home to a vibrant cricket club as well as croquet.

The youth club he also set up boasts a membership of 80 children, and 18 months ago it won a Prince of Wales award for the most vibrant youth club in all of Somerset, Dorset and Gloucester.