A STOKESLEY man has been awarded the Rotary Club's highest honour.

Hugh Charman, chairman of the Stokesley Society, was presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship award by Stokesley Rotarians.

He was given the accolade by Bob Blakey. The award is named in memory of the Rotary founder and was given to Dr Charman to mark the club's appreciation of his work in the community.

Dr Charman has given 30 years as chairman and ten years as secretary with Stokesley Society, and has been secretary of Stokesley Conservation Area Advisory Group and the Building Preservation Trust.

Through his efforts, Dr Charman was responsible for the refurbishment of the Kent Gate and the publication of The Stokesley Trail and Stokesley Buildings. For 40 years, Dr Charman has been a constant champion for the preservation of the best of Stokesley.