Colin Johnson, community buildings officer for Minehead Town Council, received a special award from Somerset High Sheriff Thomas Sheppard.

The presentation, at a town council meeting, was explained by the authority’s environment and amenities chairman Toni Bloomfield.

“It was in recognition of Mr Johnson’s great and valuable service to the community,” she said.

“He raised £1.5 million towards the council’s community hall at our Irnham Road Recreation Ground as well as for revamping the tennis courts and creating an adults’ outdoor gym and multi-use games area” she said.

“My partner Cllr Paul Bolton (Minehead Mayor) and I cannot thank Colin enough for all his hard work. He’s done a fabulous job.”