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 Winner of the Over 18 category was Donald Rooke who, for the past 35 years, has worked tirelessly to make sure Okehampton’s display of Christmas Lights were installed every year, no matter how bad the weather. Making several trips a day up and down ladders to mend the lights all around the town centre.

Donald not only works hard for Okehampton’s community during the winter, but in the summer you can find him putting up hanging baskets around the town for residents and visitors.

Donald was nominated by Cllr Julie Yelland and Okehampton Town Council. Paul R Snell, Okehampton Town Council clerk, said: ’For literally decades, Donald Rooke has organised the team responsible for the Christmas lights display in Okehampton, on behalf of the Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade.

’Whatever the weather, Donald and his small team have dedicated two Sundays every year to mount and take down the lights displays which have been very positively received by residents, businesses and tourists alike.

’Donald is stepping down from this role after another successful display for Christmas 2015 and the town council is putting forward Donald’s name on the basis that the benefit accrued is not only relevant to Okehampton, but contributes to the perception of West Devon being a borough where things happen.’

The joint winners of the Green Award were Dora Cowland and Kath Matthews. The award is given to ‘green go-getters’ who deserve recognition for their hard work making contributions to protecting our natural environments.

Every Monday morning, rain or shine, the pair can be seen carrying out a village tidy up in Sticklepath. They have spent many years weeding, tending to the Millennium Garden and litter picking around the village. They also weed pavements and kerbsides and have even spurred on other residents to take care of public spaces.

Dora and Kath were nominated by Sticklepath Parish Council. Mrs Matthews, chair of the council, wrote: ’In a time wherein volunteers are required more often to protect and enhance the communal environment, these two elderly residents did not need to be asked, and they provide a cheerful model for others.’

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.’