A Kessingland man has been honoured for his voluntary work at a special awards ceremony.

Organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering commitment were honoured as the Community Action Suffolk (CAS) Awards were recently staged at the Museum of East Anglian Life.

The inspirational work of Mark Knowles – who was described as 'a champion for the community' in Kessingland – was hailed as he received The Ian Campbell MBE Award for individual initiative.

He was nominated by Alan Gadney, a senior community enabler for Kessingland as part of the Lottery funded Lowestoft Community Capacity Project.

On collecting his award, Mr Knowles said: 'It was a great honour. I do it because I can't work and want to give something back to the people of Kessingland. Kessingland is a wonderful place to live and raise your family.'

Describing his inspirational work, Mr Gadney said: 'Mark's passion and enthusiasm for Kessingland is there for all to see.

'Not only does Mark support local football for all ages, he helps residents who are less mobile, with general DIY and gardening, as well as baking cakes and making toys for the local primary school.

'He also helps with community clean ups….all for the cost of a smile! He is a champion for the community'.

Other award winners were Student Life, Outreach Youth, Kelsi Padmore and Morgan Gammon, Aldeburgh Hospital volunteer garden team, Gainsborough Community Library, Reg Langston and John Button.

Pete Richardson, chief executive officer of CAS, said: 'The Community Action Suffolk award ceremony is always a hugely enjoyable event; it's really fabulous to be able to celebrate the success stories of how individuals and organisations have been doing their bit in the county to improve the lives of others.

'Every year the awards panel is faced with an exceptionally difficult challenge, selecting from some outstanding and inspirational examples of commitment and selflessness. I am delighted that our annual event enables to place recognition where it is due.'

For further details about Community Action Suffolk visit www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk