THREE Somerset ‘Community Champions’ have been awarded British Empire Medals (BEM) at a ceremony held in Taunton.

Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, handed out the medals to former Wellington man Andrew Samuel, who now lives in Taunton, David Scott, from Williton, and William Mellersh of Stanton Drew, near Bristol.

Mr Saddiq told them: “You have all selflessly volunteered your time to your local communities, going far beyond the extra mile and you are fully deserving of these medals. Congratulations to you all.”

The BEMs were awarded in the New Year’s Honours List on behalf of the monarch for ‘hands on’ service to the local community over a period of time.

Andrew Samuel received his BEM for services to his community, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when he was a founding member of a support group in Taunton.

He galvanised a group of volunteers to deliver leaflets to 1,000 homes with contact numbers for essential services, and developed software and training for volunteers to enable a support line to be operational 12 hours a day.

Mr Samuel also identified the need for a safer, local shopping environment as people began to emerge from lockdown, and with help from others set up a local, not-for-profit community shop close to a retirement village.

David Scott received his award for services to countryside conservation and heritage.

Mr Scott has volunteered since 1976 when he began to work as a Cotswold warden, and following retirement from teaching in 2017 he moved to Somerset and became a volunteer ranger with the Quantock Hills AONB.

He also works for the Minehead Woodland Group and volunteers on the West Somerset Railway.

In total, Mr Scott has contributed more than 40 years of service to his communities.

William Mellersh was rewaward for services to the sport of badminton in the Bristol area.

In 2010 he successfully formed the Chew Valley Junior Badminton Club with the goal to create a welcoming atmosphere where everybody could enjoy the sport, regardless of ability.

The club currently has around 150 members, many now playing at county or league level.

Mr Mellersh remains the club’s head coach and has expanded its remit to offer opportunities to both men and women, enabling families to participate in the sport together.