STALWART fundraiser Patrick Connor has been presented with the Trowbridge Civic Award to mark his work with Dorothy House and the town.

The 90-year-old of Whiterow Park became involved with the Winsley-based charity when his wife Evelyn was cared for by staff at the hospice before her death from cancer in 2005.

Since then he has dedicated his time to music, travelling around community groups and events to entertain with his keyboard playing.

He was presented the award by mayor Glyn Bridges at the Trowbridge Civic Dinner on Saturday evening and was recognised for his fundraising efforts, which have reached more than £16,000.

Mr Connor, who played in foyer on the night, had no idea that his name would be called as the winner.

He said: “When the mayor read my name out, I couldn’t believe it. To see all these people clapping for me, I didn’t know what to do. The mayor asked if I wanted to say anything but all I could say was that I was just amazed.”

The Trowbridge Civic Award is awarded to individuals or groups by the mayor to highlight how they have given something back to their community through their work which is often voluntary.

Dorothy House is Mr Bridges' chosen charity and on the night the hospice's chief executive John Davies thanked Mr Connor for all his work.

Mr Connor said: “It was quite a pleasure to have a word with chief executive John Davies. I go to Dorothy House every so often and every time I go, I always take them some money that I have raised.”

He added that he is fully booked until Christmas for his recitals and he will continue to play for as long as he can.

Mr Bridges said Mr Connor was a worthy winner of the award. He added: “He has done such a lot of work for the town and he has raised a lot of money for Dorothy House which is the charity of the year.

“He is someone who carries on and entertains people and he is a lovely guy that has done a lot for the town and it has been life-long work for him.”