THE chairman of the Exe Valley Market Bus has been named Community Transport Volunteer of the Year at the 15th annual Community Transport Awards ceremony last week.

Colin Radford was recognised for his years of dedicated service to the organisation which provides transport from isolated rural communities to Tuesday and Friday market days in Tiverton every week of the year.

Not only has he served as a driver, but also a driver trainer, and in 2010 he became chairman.

Mr Radford was key in obtaining funding for a new minibus and finding a buyer for the old one.

Exe Valley Market Bus also received the award for Best Contribution to the Local Community.

The service, run, driven and maintained entirely by volunteers, has provided a community bus service for communities between Oakford and Tiverton for more than 25 years.

The bus runs twice weekly services to shops, hospital and dentists, as well as monthly outings, and is hired by local groups.

It has recently extended its service to South Molton and Barnstaple increasing passenger numbers, volunteer drivers and support.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for Highway Man-agement, said: “Congratu-lations to the winners and we also extend our thanks to everyone involved in community transport for making such a positive difference to so many people in Devon.”