WEST Devon Mayor Cllr David Cloke, praised the tireless efforts and dedication of the borough’s unsung heroes at this year’s mayoral awards.

A group of students, a young athlete, a community champion, a couple of ’green o-getters’ and a record-breaking rower were among the winners at this year’s awards.

The mayor received many nominations for the awards, which are given to local people who endeavour to make life better for West Devon communities.

The Recognition Award for an over 18, went to Lee Spencer. Lee set a record earlier this year as part of the first all amputee team to row across the Atlantic. Support for Lee and the team came from all around the globe as they rowed. They became national heroes and role models for amputees everywhere, even Prince Harry wished them luck on their voyage.

Lee’s message is ‘there is life after injury’ and he showed that this is the case by taking on every challenge which comes his way. He led the march in London to mark the 350 year anniversary of the Royal Marines and also in Gibraltar where he walked up ‘The Rock’. Yet, after all of these worldwide events, Lee didn’t forget West Devon and mentioned Horrabridge, Yelverton and West Devon every time he took on a challenge.

Lee’s nominator, Allison Hatcher, wrote that: ’He is a true inspiration for not giving in. He lost his leg as a result of helping at a roadside accident on the M3, despite serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Northern Island unscathed, he lost his leg trying to help others. He won’t stop either and West Devon is certain to be mentioned in the media again as he is planning more challenges.’

The Under 18 Award went to William Dax. As a keen athlete and outstanding student, William represents Tavistock for his track and field athletic abilities and is an excellent role model for West Devon’s students.

William has recently represented Tavistock College in the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships and competed as part of the South West Track and Field team in Belgium last year. On the national stage, he represented Devon at the Cross Country Inter-counties’ Championship in Birmingham, this March.

William was nominated by the head of sixth form at Tavistock College, Sally Hubbard, who wrote: ’Will is an outstanding student – hardworking, committed and determined. These qualities are reflected in his achievements both sporting and artistic.

’During his time in sixth form he has continually impressed us with his positive attitude, not only to his college studies but also his outside interests. He recently won the Tavistock Rotary Club’s photography competition.

’Despite his successes, Will remains a modest, humble and unassuming individual. We feel that he is an excellent role model amongst his peers as someone who engages and fully participates in school and wider community events. It would be wonderful to see him recognised for his efforts with this award.’

The Green Recognition Award was presented to Tavistock College’s ‘SWAT’ team, (Sustainability Working At Tavistock College). The three Year 9 students, Beau Waycott, Jack Andrews and Ben Moran, have been working tirelessly to make the college a greener place to study by raising awareness of energy use.

Working on a range of sustainability issues throughout the college since Year 7, they work on changing the culture around the school by carrying out regular energy audits and monitoring consumption of energy around the buildings. A proactive group, the SWAT team recently took the lead for Eco Schools Energy Month.

The students are ardent supporters of recycling and help to empty the recycling bins around the schools as well as supporting a campaign to raise money for a solar panel installation for the school. They helped raise enough money for a 6.5kW installation and were then involved in appointing a contractor and choosing a suitable installation, showing a remarkable knowledge of renewable energy.

Linda Coe, Tavistock College premises manager, who nominated Beau, Jack and Ben, wrote: ’All this work they do with cheerfulness and enthusiasm that is infectious. They have certainly kept up my spirits when faced with what seemed a difficult hill to climb at times. Their thirst for knowledge and their passion for the subject has kept the college moving further towards a much more sustainable school.’

West Devon Mayor Cllr Cloke said: ’The mayoral awards cover a variety of activities by volunteers and their efforts go towards providing a thriving community for all of us across the borough. It was also encouraging to see so many young people represented in the categories this year.’