A POSTIE with a penchant for photography was handed an honour by the community he diligently serves.

Derek Parnell, a postie in the Stoke Trister and Bayford Parish, was handed the Chairman’s Award by Somerset Council chair, Councillor Mike Best, for ‘services above and beyond his normal duties’.

Derek is popular in the parish for not only delivering mail, but raising money for charity with his wildlife photography calendars.

He also intervened when a resident required assistance, with his efforts prompting the parish council to nominate him as a worthy recipient of the gong.

The presentation took place at the Stoke Trister with Bayford Parish Council meeting on November 9 at Bayford Village Hall.