One of Colyton's most well-known community stalwarts was honoured for 50 years of public service earlier this month.

On 8 September 1970, Colin Pady became a member of the Colyton Chamber of Feoffees and on the same night earlier this month, his fellow members recognised his fifty years' service with a surprise presentation following their socially-distanced, monthly meeting.

The Chamber of Feoffees was established in 1546 with a Royal Charter from King Henry Vlll. It is now a registered charity which makes grants to worthy local causes and in cases of individual hardship, and runs the town hall.

Presenting him with a signed certificate marking his 50 years as a Feoffee, chairman of the Chamber of Feoffees, Colin Chesterton, congratulated Mr Pady on his remarkable record of public service to the community of Colyton parish, noting that he was was still continuing to serve both as a Feoffee and a parish councillor.

The chairman also presented Mr Pady with three pictures of Colyton, a celebratory cake - made by Feoffee's wife Sam Underdown - and he explained that the chamber would also like to give Mr Pady a tree of his choosing to plant in the community woodland. It was hoped to be able to arrange a public tree planting ceremony sometime in the autumn.

In response, Mr Pady thanked colleagues for their generosity which he said was much appreciated. He added that he would be very pleased to choose a walnut tree.

Mr Pady said it had been a great privilege for him to serve the community over the past 50 years and he would endeavour to continue to do so to the best of his ability.

He recalled he had been proud to replace Sir Alec Zealey on the Chamber of Feoffees in 1970 and he still had the letter he had received from the then Feoffees bailiff, Miles Clayton, appointing him to the post.

Since his appointment he had worked with seven bailiffs, including the current incumbent, Sarah Charman, the first female bailiff, who was appointed during Mr Pady's chairmanship in 2013. He had also served as chairman in 1991 and 2001.

Recalling notable events in his 50 years of service, Mr Pady said he remembered particularly the building of a new town hall kitchen in 1985, which had replaced the cramped, dark facilities that had previously existed under the stage.

He also recalled the days when smoking was common place and how much better meetings were now that it had been banned in public spaces!

The chamber also presented Colin's wife Val with a bouquet for her loyal support of Colin throughout his years of service.