A COASTAL town took centre stage when one of its much-loved residents was presented with a prestigious award. 

93-year-old John Duncan, who volunteers his time at the Abbeyfield Lyme Regis Society, received the respected Royal Patron award endorsed by HRH The Prince of Wales. 

John is just one of five people chosen from 10,500 volunteers and staff throughout the UK, to be recognized in Abbeyfield’s 2017 Royal Patron awards. 

He was presented with the certificate at a special ceremony in London. 

Abbeyfield in West Hill, a charitable housing organisation, is a sheltered home which offers older people supported living whilst allowing them to retain independent lives. 

John has helped out at the Abbeyfield Society for more than 30 years and is their go-to handy man. He is renowned in the town for his commitment and dedication to residents. 

He is also known for going above and beyond his role’s requirements, and is the society’s honorary treasurer, volunteering to keep its finances in order. 

John has also helped the society with a vast number of jobs across many years including painting and decorating externally and internally, and has masterminded and managed the updating of resident’s rooms.