A MAN who is making Bridgwater a much cleaner and pleasant place to live has been recognised for his tireless contribution to the town.

Mike Slade is chairman of the Friends of Bridgwater Canal and Docks and has been named the 2018 winner of the Bridgwater Cup, a prestigious award presented by Bridgwater Town Council to someone who has made an outstanding individual effort to improve the town.

The mayor of Bridgwater Graham Granter presented the award at a special presentation held on Thursday, March 8.

Cllr Granter said: "We had a lot of applications from across the community. The panel felt the gentlemen who has won the award this year goes above and beyond his duty and does all he can for Bridgwater.

"This is the third time myself and the mayoress have been privileged to present this trophy. Fulfilling mayoral duties means means we see a lot of the amazing volunteer work that does not always get recognised but is so vital for the town.

"The Bridgwater Cup is special and you have to be a special person to win it, Mike is a worthy recipient."

Mike Slade is part of a volunteer group who work to help keep the canal clear of rubbish dedicating much of his week to the task which ensures the waterway looks its best. A former IT manager he discovered the canal when he lived in a caravan at Bathpool.

Mike works closely with Patsy Robinson in trying to improve the Docks in Bridgwater.

"It has been a real pleasure. I came here five years ago and have really settled in the community," Mike said.

"We want to promote Bridgwater because we think it is a brilliant town and it just needs a little TLC by everybody."

Proper Job also kindly donated equipment including new rakes that will help the team with their work in keeping the Docks tidy.

It was also announced at the meeting that Cllr Tony Heywood will be the deputy mayor for 2018/19. The deputy mayor - currently Diogo Rodrigues - traditionally takes over as mayor the following year.