LOCAL heroes from across the West Somerset area have been celebrated with the annual Somerset Council ‘Chairman’s Service to the Community’ awards.

About a dozen unsung residents and groups were recognised at an awards ceremony for having made outstanding contributions to their local communities.

The unitary council’s chairman, Cllr Mike Best, hosted the awards presentations in Taunton Rugby Club on Friday, October 16, celebrating individuals and organisations nominated by city, town, and parish authorities from across the county.

Some of the audience for Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best's presentations to community champions.
Some of the audience for Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best's presentations to community champions. (Contributed)

A total of 49 nominations were received this year, recognising the contribution made by people and groups to their local communities.

Cllr Best said: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise and thank people who give their time and energy to their communities across Somerset.

“So much of what they do happens quietly and without expectation of recognition, but their contribution makes a real difference to the places in which they live.

“It was a privilege to celebrate so many of them and to hear about the contribution they make.

“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s recipients and thank them for everything they do for Somerset.”

A special award from the chairman was also presented to three members of Somerset’s Youth Parliament, Lucas Cross, Blake Sheard, and Eva Dowden, and their advisory group, recognising the young people representing the county and supporting the work of the Youth Parliament.

Lucas Cross, Blake Sheard, and Eva Dowden receive awards for their work on the Somerset Youth Parliament, along with a special certificate for their advisory group.
Lucas Cross, Blake Sheard, and Eva Dowden receive awards for their work on the Somerset Youth Parliament, along with a special certificate for their advisory group. (Contributed)

Alongside the main ceremony, Cllr Best will at a later time also separately make 12 presentations to recipients in their local communities who were unable to attend on the evening.

Award recipients were:

Otterhampton - Richard Best

Dunster - David and Brenda Moore

Wiveliscombe - Helena Mary Trump

Stogursey - Stogursey Arts Trust

Fitzhead - Chris Summers

Williton - Bryan and Caroline Tyner

Minehead - Keith Hunt

Halse - Carol Windeatt

Watchet - Jim Butterworth

Old Cleeve - Claire Sawatzki