INSPIRATIONAL people in Chard were presented with outstanding service awards at the annual town meeting.

Pat Galpin, Marc and Lorraine Marshall and Tony Lister received the accolades from Mayor Jenny Kenton.

Pat has dedicated the last seven years of her life to Chard Carers’ Support Group after she volunteered to set up and organise the group.

Her nomination said Pat has run the service, which now has 35 members, almost single-handedly. She organises events, speakers, lunches and outings for members.

She is also a member of St Mary’s Church, playing the violin with the music group, and is described as ‘a more than worthy winner’ of the award.

Marc and Lorraine Marshall have been involved in Chard Amateur Theatre Society since 2001, spending numerous hours with their team rehearsing, designing props and organising events.

Their nomination said: “It is beyond belief the time they are willing to give to produce what is required to help the society and others entertain our public with first class shows.”

Tony was given an outstanding service award for his work in the town since retiring as a modern languages teacher at Holyrood School in 1991.

He has worked as a sighted guide for the blind for 20 years, driven patients to hospital appointments for a decade, goes on group holidays with Guide Dogs for the Blind and has read more than 240 books for a group that helps the blind.

Tony also takes books on wheels to people who do not have access to the library and takes part in talking through the news using the Newsline service.

At the meeting, Mayor Jenny Kenton revealed that £7,442.60 will be split between her three chosen charities, the Lords Larder, the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital and Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

Money was raised at events throughout the year including a murder mystery evening, Christmas carol concert, swing bands and raffles.