A BUSINESSMAN has been awarded the Mistley Parish Council chairman's award for his service to the community.

Martin Rayner chose his vice chairman on the council, Andrew Birch, for the special award at the council's latest meeting.

He said: "Andy is a great sounding board for me and a safe pair of hands for when I am prevented from attending meetings.

"But he does a lot more for Mistley.

"Despite the long hours looking after his businesses and delivering newspapers in all weathers he often goes out with Andrew Lee litter-picking – particularly on Heath Road – and tidying up footpaths.

"He is treasurer for the Village Hall Management Committee and also for Mistley Cricket Club.

"For his extra work I could find no better way of saying thanks than by presenting him my Chairman’s Award for 2018."

Andrew runs both Mistley Post Office and a convenience store in Harwich Road, Mistley.

He said: "It's much appreciated.

"I obviously wasn't expecting it but it is very kind of the chairman to think of me.

"I do my bit and I've enjoyed my stint, this is year eight on the council.

"There is always something going on in the parish."