A YELVERTON man has been given a special award in recognition of his services to the community. Tom Palmer, a volunteer with Yelvercare, was presented with the award for his services to community transport by the chairman of Devon County Council. Yelvercare volunteers help residents in the villages of Yelverton, Buckland Monachorum, Clearkbrook, Dousland, Walkhampton and Meavy by offering neighbourly help in times of need. Tom was nominated for the award by Brian Medhurst, chairman of Yelvercare. Mr Medhurst said: ?The frequency with which he willingly undertakes tasks and his popularity with clients makes Tom Palmer unique among the Yelvercare volunteer drivers. ?Many of the calls for help come from elderly residents, with appointments at the regional hospital or eye infirmary in Plymouth. Such trips are not popular because of the distance and frequent delays, but not so with Tom ? he will happily give up many hours of his time several times a week taking our clients there.? Mr Medhurst said Tom also makes many short distance trips, taking elderly residents to the hairdressers or shops, plus undertaking dog walking for temporarily unfit owners. ?Tom?s willingness is a source of great support to our Yelvercare task schedulers who find his friendly telephone manner heart-warming ? clients regularly ask for Tom by name,? said Mr Medhurst. ?He is solid gold.? The awards were presented during a ceremony in Exeter earlier this month, when winners were given a framed certificate and a box of Devon groceries. The event, in which the county chairman stressed the importance of the work done by volunteers in rural areas, was timed to coincide with National Volunteer Week.