A volunteer who has worked tirelessly for decades for his local church and community has been named as a winner in a national competition to honour devoted stalwarts.

Roger Townsin, from All Saints in Kettlestone, near Fakenham, was nominated for Little Deeds, Big Difference to recognise his 41 years service in the community on numerous committees, as a charity trustee, a member of the parish council and on the Parochial Church Council at All Saints.

Through his work both in the village and at the church he has brought the two closer together and used his contacts to promote church events, fund raise for the church and share the history of the village.

The competition was run by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical and Mr Townsin was one of six winners, who each receive £2000 for their church.

The six winners will attend a lunch on November 1, where the efforts of each nominee will be recognised and the winner of the overall £10,000 prize will be revealed.

Martyn Proffitt, church treasurer who nominated Roger, said: 'Over 41 years Roger has made a significant impact on our village community, his volunteering exploits are too long to list.

'He has served on the village hall committee, charity trustees, the parish council, the PCC and has used his woodworking skills to continually restore parts of our church, but most importantly, people come to Roger for help because they know he is friendly and knowledgeable.'

A special thank you note written by the PCC and included with Roger's nomination, read: 'Roger, huge thanks for many years of dedicated service to our community and church. Your help to others and positive influence on village life is much appreciated by all.'

Michael Angell, church operations director and one of the judges, commented: 'Given the quality and number of nominations we received, the judging process was extremely difficult. Every single entry was worthy of recognition and deserving of a prize, but our six winners really stood out and have made an outstanding contribution to their local communities.'

To find out more about this year's competition visit: www.ecclesiastical.com/churchcomp.