THE citizens of Ilminster were celebrated at the town's annual presentation evening on Thursday.

Ilminster Town Council said thanks and congratulations to people who make the town what it is at the event at The Shrubbery Hotel.

Mayor of Ilminster Cllr Carol Goodall presented certificates and prizes to Ilminster in Bloom winners, miniature garden designers and those who have made an outstanding contribution to life in the town.

The big announcement of the night was that John Robson was this year’s recipient of the Ilminster Citizens Award.

Presenting the award, Cllr Goodall said: “John has served Ilminster in numerous ways over the years.

John, a one-time town councillor, has been actively involved with the Ilminster Army Cadet Platoon, the Ilminster branch of the Royal British Legion, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Chard and Ilminster Pensioners’ Forum, the Local Action Group for Community Safety and The Minster.

Events John oversees on an annual basis include the Remembrance Parade and the Church Service, the annual Jack Sandy Award for best cadet and the Christmas Tree Festival in the Minster.

John has been running the Jack Sandy Award for 13 years, chairing a panel to interview cadets on their achievements.

John plans the Remembrance Service and Parade, and thanks to his attention to detail, with crosses for all Ilminster’s fallen placed around the war memorial, the town reflects in a poignant way.

In 2007, John masterminded the first Christmas Tree Festival in the Minster, attracting 20 trees in the first year and well over 30 by 2010.

Cllr Goodall said: “Over and above these high profile events John can be seen around and about the town with a smile on his face and a cheery word for all.

“It’s because of his long and tireless work over the years for the church and charitable organisations that John Robson is a worthy recipient of the 2011 Ilminster Citizens Award.”

FOR more photos and award winners from Ilminster Town Council's presentation evening pick up a copy of this week's News.