A volunteer at a historical and environmental charity was one of 17 deserving winners in the People of Dover Awards.

Michael Orchard of the Western Heights Preservation Society picked up the gong for Outstanding Contribution to the Heritage of Dover at the ceremony on Wednesday, May 10, at the town council offices.

The treasurer and volunteer co-ordinator had been nominated by Phil Eyden for all the work he does that “is not just cutting the grass!”

Mr Orchard, a former Deputy Governor of prisons now investigating institutional and historical sexual abuse on prisoners, told the Mercury he finds his volunteering “quite a distraction.”

He said: “I can just go up on the heights and mow the grass to clear my head.

“I was very surprised to be nominated because I prefer to work in the background.

“I enjoy working with the volunteers and getting my hands dirty.

“To be nominated and to win was very rewarding but I don’t do it for any sort of recognition.”

Meanwhile The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and volunteers picked up the gong for Outstanding Contribution to Beautiful Dover, and community art venture the Dover SmArt Project won Outstanding Contribution to Health, Sport and Wellbeing and Dover Soup Kitchen took the accolade for Outstanding Contribution to Helping your Neighbour.

The awards were handed out by Dover mayor Cllr Neil Rix who paid tribute to the hard work all the winners put in to the community.

He said: “The biggest winner of these awards are, of course, the people of Dover who benefit so much from the generous spirit, vision and sheer hard work of all those taking part in these awards.”