A WEST Devon community transport charity gained recognition at a special award ceremony last week.

Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) was honoured by Devon Council's community transport team at this year's community awards.

The 14th annual ceremony, organised by Devon County Council, honoured those who have made outstanding contributions to community transport and marked the culmination of National Volunteers' Week.

Manager at TASS Andy Lyle was presented with the title of Employee of the Year, fr his help in securing vital funds to buy wheelchair friendly vehicles, new minibuses and a mobility centre. He also established and is running the valuable hospital car service.

Andy received recognition for his work over the past seven years in developing TASS into one of the leading local charities in Devon.

It was highlighted how TASS now provides not just centre or outreach-based activities, but also a wide range of transport solutions — Transport to Health, Shopmobility, trips and supporting other local charities such as the U3A and WIs.

Andy said: 'This award is not just in recognition of what I have achieved. It would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers, trustees and other staff in supporting me in developing the many services provided by TASS.'

Andy was nominated for the award by Niki Brereton, who said: 'If anyone deserves an award it is Andy, who since he joined Tavistock Area Support Services in 2006, has achieved an incredible amount.

'By lobbying local government, Devon County Council, the Lions, the Rotary Club and local businesses, he secured grants which have enabled the purchase of new minibuses, wheelchair friendly vehicles and even a mobility centre which enables local people and visitors to access the shops and other facilities in the town.

'Together with this, he has set up and is running an incredible hospital car service — a lifeline for many who have no other opportunity to keep hospital appointments.

'Being in a very rural area, many elderly and infirm members of the community are often isolated and therefore unable to socialise.

'Andy has made a tremendous difference to the lives of so many people by enabling them to go on trips, be it just a day run out to the sea or a long weekend away in a nice hotel.

'Drop-in centres in all the surrounding villages, where folk can go and meet with friends, seek assistance with form filling etc, make a huge difference and were something that was missing before this dynamic man appeared on the scene.

'His enthusiasm, energy and sheer determination to improve the lives of the elderly and vulnerable members of the community of Tavistock and the wider area make him stand out from others and make him very special.'

To find out more about TASS or if you could offer a couple of hours a week to volunteer, contact Andy on 018222 616958.