RESIDENTS have been recognised for their outstanding service to the community following a visit from the High Sheriff of Cornwall.

On Friday, March 13, the High Sheriff of Cornwall, Geraint Richards OBE, paid a visit to Bude to meet local organisations supporting the community.

The visit was hosted by Fiona Hargreaves, Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall, and Ian Saltern, deputy town clerk at Bude-Stratton Town Council.

The High Sheriff began the day at The Pearl Exchange, an award-winning charity which has become renowned for supporting young people in the area with their mental health and future choices.

Following this he visited Bude Library, where he learned about the wide range of activities available to the community.

At the Parish Church of St Swithin, the High Sheriff attended a Lent Lunch and presented awards to local residents.

During the visit, two members of the community, Maggie Cooper and Jan Hunt, were recognised for their dedication to the church and wider community in Launcells. Martin ‘Mini’ Fry received an award for his lifetime of life-saving service along the north Cornish coast. Chris Jewell, chairman of the Bude Canal and Harbour Society, was also recognised for his work promoting the history and significance of the Bude Canal.

Mr Richards, High Sheriff of Cornwall, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be able to make another visit to Bude before my year as High Sheriff came to an end. This was my third visit to the area and whilst I have become very fond of the place, my abiding memories will be of the amazing people who work tirelessly, many as volunteers, to support the community and preserve the heritage and culture.

“Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and I assure you that I will be returning because I’ve made many friends that I want to keep in touch with!”