People in Dawlish who put the community before themselves have been recognised in a civic ceremony.

Three residents were presented with Citizen Awards at the Manor House by mayor Cllr Wally Protheroe.

Jim and Jilly Franklin were honoured for their voluntary work, fundraising and service to the community.

Between them they have helped many individuals and organisations, something for which the mayor is grateful.

'I have said it before, we would be very much worse off if it wasn't for selfless individuals such as this,' he said.

'There will always be things society needs but which the government cannot fund. People like Jim and Jilly make sure we have them.'

Also coming in for praise was Kevin Cox, manager of Gay's Creamery.

In January he took swift action when an elderly holiday maker fell into the Brook after losing control of her mobility scooter.

The father of two jumped into the icy waters and not only rescued the victim but her buggy too.

His colleague Sarah Cartwright said at the time: 'He's a bit of a hero.'

After presenting the award Cllr Protheroe said: 'Isn't it tremendous, someone who took a chance to help someone else? I think it is typical of the British people to be willing to help others and to have someone like that here in Dawlish is a real fillip to the entire community.'

The ceremony at the manor House involved not only giving but receiving too.

On behalf of the town, Cllr Protheroe accepted the gift of a photograph taken at last year's airshow by the visiting Russian authorities.

It was presented by Kevin Wills, who recently won an international award for his promotion of the airshow.

'In my year of office it has been my aim to publicise Dawlish as widely as possible and the airshow means the town is now known not only across Europe but America too,' said Cllr Protheroe.

'Just last year I was on a train in Canada on my way to a conference and got talking to a Texan.

'When I told him I had the Mount Pleasant Inn he told me not only did he know it but had been eating there not long before.

'I'm very proud of our airshow and what it has achieved, I doubt whether there are many other towns like ours in receipt of an official gift from Moscow.'