DEDICATED community transport volunteers from Tavistock received prestigious awards at a ceremony this week.

Volunteer drivers for Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) Paul Newman and Des Bluett were recognised for their contribution to the charity in the annual Community Transport Awards, organised by Devon County Council, which recognise outstanding contributions to Devon’s community transport providers.

Des Bluett, 83, was presented with a volunteer car driver award, after being nominated by TASS staff member Bernice Edgar and service user Roger Ellison.

On nominating him, Bernice said: ‘Des came to drive for us when he lost his wife. He nursed his wife at home and when she passed, he was lost. He just didn’t know what to do with himself. Des said that TASS saved him but truth be known, he saved us too.

‘Des is 83 years old but runs around like he is in his 30s. He volunteers five days a week, working morning and afternoon. Des will drop everything to come and help. He is so dedicated — even when he fell from a tree, he still came and carried on driving. He is so popular with both clients and other drivers. He is a remarkable person.’

Roger Ellison added: ‘Des is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He makes attending a hospital appointment a pleasure. Nothing is too much trouble for him. He is always cheerful and chatty and has many amusing tales to tell. He never minds however long he is kept waiting and is always well on time to pick me up. I think somebody as lovely as Des actually deserves an OBE or a knighthood!’

Paul Newman was presented with a volunteer minibus driver award.

Bernice also nominated Paul for his award. She said: ‘Paul is one of the fantastic minibus drivers at TASS. He bends over backwards to help with minibuses and stands in to provide cover whenever he can. Paul is loved by the clientele he conveys, not just by the clients but their carers too. He has so much patience and understanding. He does two to three regular days at TASS but will also stand in if people are off sick.’

Devon County Council chair Cllr Caroline Chugg presented the awards. She said: ‘All of the award winners have such incredible stories of dedication. These awards are very well deserved for their outstanding efforts which each and every one of them have put in to these vital organisations. My admiration goes out to them, as they have all shown such long term commitment. Congratulations to the winners and our thanks also go to everyone involved with community transport in Devon.’

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council cabinet member with responsibility for community transport, said: ‘Community transport relies on the commitment of its staff and volunteers and the award winners are just a few of the hundreds of people who make community transport in Devon such a valuable lifeline to so many people.’

The winners were chosen from more than 50 nominees.