INSPIRING people from South Somerset were awarded at a ceremony for outstanding contributions to their community.

Over 40 awards were presented to inspirational individuals and community groups from across Somerset at the annual Chairman Awards on Thursday.

Somerset County Council chairman, David Fothergill, handed out the awards at Taunton Rugby Club.

The South Somerset winners included Jackie Hewitt, Sharon Humphreys and Roger Cripps.

Earlier this year Jackie spent three months in isolation receiving a bone marrow transplant in treatment for cancer.

She chose to spend this time of enforced rest researching the 20 soldiers from her community of Misterton who lost their lives in the First World War.

The research became the core display of an event Jackie helped organise to commemorate the beginning of the war.

The research will now be made available to Misterton First School, churches, chapels and Crewkerne Museum.

Sharon has worked tirelessly on the Shepton Beauchamp Events Team for the past ten years, helping to organise annual events such as bonfire nights, Easter and Christmas markets, 10k and fun runs as well as other one-off events.

Roger is a parish councillor for Shepton Beauchamp, who in his spare time, cuts footpaths, runs the local Ramblers group and looks after the village allotments.

He also spends many hours looking after the ‘Cowleaze Meadow Project’, which allows all parishioners use of an open space.

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.”