KEN White, a volunteer at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, for ten years has been awarded a Taunton Deane Citizenship Award for 2008.

The award recognises "outstanding meritorious voluntary service by citizens of Taunton Deane"

It will be presented to Ken by Taunton Deane Mayor Ken Hayward at a special ceremony on Friday, April 11.

As well as his work at the hospital, Ken is President of the West Somerset Parachute Regiment Association and a Welfare Officer for both the parachute regiment and the Galmington Walnut Tree Club.

In the past, he has been involved in two youth clubs in Bishop's Hull and was the Bandmaster for the Somerset Light Infantry Army Cadet Force.

He said: "This was a real surprise and a great honour.

"I enjoy all of the work I'm able to do and it's very satisfying to be able to give something back to the community.

"I've benefited greatly from the work of Musgrove in the past and it's nice to be able to help out."

Jeni Clark, Musgrove's Volunteer Coordinator, said: "Ken does a simply superb job in helping visitors to the hospital.

"He's calm and knowledgeable and never shirks a challenge.

"We're fortunate at Musgrove to have an excellent group of volunteers who make a significant and extremely valuable contribution to hospital life."