Back your community transport hero

DEDICATED community transport staff and volunteers in Mid Devon are being sought ahead of an award ceremony later this year.

Devon County Council wants to hear from members of the public who wish to nominate their own community transport heroes, ahead of an end of April deadline for entries.

Anyone working in the community transport sector can be nominated by passengers, staff or volunteers and those who are shortlisted will be invited to this year’s ceremony to be held in Exeter in June.

There are a range of categories for community transport groups, including best fundraising campaign/event, most innovative project and outstanding people development. The important role of volunteers will be recognised in the category for community transport volunteers, and one person will once again be selected as the overall ‘Community Transport Volunteer of the Year’.

Among the winners last year was Nina Dutton, who has worked for Tiverton and District Community Transport Association for five years.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Community transport is a great asset for Devon, ensuring that communities are not cut off and helping people access some form of transport which can get them to their nearest town, local shops, GP surgery and other vital services.”

Nomination forms are available from the county council and must be submitted by April 30. Go online at: www.devon.gov.uk/community_transport or call Devon County Council’s community transport team on 01392 382123.