TAVISTOCK Rotarian, Geri Parlby, was recently awarded the Rotary Club's International 'Service Above Self Award' which recognises the work of volunteers among Rotarians worldwide. Only 150 awards are made annually.

The award was presented at the Bristol Hotel in Newquay. John Pearce, a past district governor, conveyed the award on behalf of Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee, who said: 'With this award you are being recognised for the contributions you have made to Rotary over the years. I believe you are an extraordinary example of how each Rotarian can make a difference.'

Geri is chairperson of REPoD, or Rotarians Easing the Problems of Dementia. REPoD began in the Tavistock club in 2007 and has grown to become a national organisation, and is also on the list of International Rotary Projects.

Geri has been tireless in spreading the message of the need to support carers, as well as sufferers, of dementia. She has forefronted the creation of a special DVD of music for dementia sufferes, as it has proved that hearing old songs is beneficial to a dementia sufferers' mental health. A Carers Pathway Guide has also been developed.