A CANNINGTON man has been recognised as an inspirational figure at a special awards ceremony for Sedgemoor outstanding contributions to their community.

Geoffrey Parle, aged 77, was presented with an award at the annual Chairman’s Awards in recognition of his work editing quarterly village magazine the Cannington Target, which gives village information for Cannington people.

The free magazine is distributed to every household in the village and is valued by people of all ages in the community.

Geoffrey is also always ready to transport friends and neighbours, sometimes at a moment’s notice, when necessary and is a much-valued member of the Cannington community.

Dr Parle said: “I feel very please and enormously privileged to receive this award.

It can be hard work and does take up a lot of my free time but I’m retired and I enjoy doing it.

“I’ve been producing the magazine for 10 years now and I plan to continue doing it for a while yet.”

The ceremony, held at Taunton Rugby Club on Thursday, saw more than 40 people from the Sedgemoor area presented with their awards from Somerset County Council chairman Cllr David Fothergill.

Cllr Fothergill said: “I am proud to be in the presence of these community champions who all deserve a huge thank you for what they do.

“The time that they give back to the people in each of their community’s is worthy of recognition and I am thrilled I can celebrate their dedication with them tonight.”