THREE West Somerset residents have been honoured for dedicated voluntary service in their respective communities.

They were among 48 recipients of annual community awards presented by Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best during an event in Taunton Rugby Club on Friday (October 4).

The West Somerset winners included long-serving Williton parish Cllr Ian Aldridge, who is currently vice-chairman, Moorland Food Bank founder and co-ordinator Jenny Barker, and Dunster Parish Council vice-chairman Cllr Kevin Sully.

Cllr Aldridge, who was also a district councillor for many years for Watchet and Williton, was nominated by members of the community supported by parish council chairman Cllr Peter Payne.

His citation read: “He has instigated projects, too numerous to mention, but one that needs special noting is securing funding through Somerset Association of Local Councils for a weekly village lunch in conjunction with Foxes Academy, to encourage parishioners out again after Covid-19.

“This has been so popular, it has grown to lunches/afternoon teas being available three times a week.

“Ian works well with colleagues, he is also a member of Friends of Musgrove Hospital, a member of the local patients participation group, a volunteer for WHEELS transporting others to places they need to go, and a director of the Watchet Coastal Community Team.

“Ian has always been very supportive to many groups in and around Williton and Watchet.

“Nothing is too much trouble for him.

“He spent approximately 20 years on the village hall committee which became the pavilion committee which has come to fruition with the fantastic facility now available for community use.”

Ms Barker, who was nominated by Dulverton town Cllr Ann Van Praag, set up Moorland Food Bank during the Covid-19 pandemic and after running it for more than four years she still co-ordinates and fund-raises alongside eight volunteers who deliver food boxes to families and single people struggling with the cost of living.

Her citation read: “This makes a huge difference to people’s lives and prevents them from slipping into greater poverty.

“If anybody should be recognised for hard work and achievement, Jenny Barker deserves to.”

Dunster’s parish clerk Sarah Towells nominated Cllr Sully, who was born in the village and has served on the parish council for more than 40 years, including many as its chairman, commits to much voluntary work in the village, including looking after its allotments and cemetery, and carrying out work on the local river to prevent flooding.

He was also chairman of the original Dunster Festival.

Cllr Best said: “It is so rewarding and humbling to read the citations for these awards.

“Our community heroes do so much for others, never expecting to be rewarded for their efforts.

“In Somerset, we are so fortunate to have so many people who work hard on behalf of others in their city, town, village, or hamlet.

“The awards ceremony is a small way of saying thank you on behalf of Somerset.

“Every recipient has made a real difference to their communities.

“It is a privilege to thank them on behalf of the council.”