Accolade for work beyond the call of duty

GOING above and beyond his job description has led to Derek Adams – a contender for the title of Mr Huntingdon – winning an award. A community development officer for Huntingdon Town Council and manager of the Medway Centre, Mr Adams has won the Recogni

GOING above and beyond his job description has led to Derek Adams - a contender for the title of 'Mr Huntingdon' - winning an award.

A community development officer for Huntingdon Town Council and manager of the Medway Centre, Mr Adams has won the Recognition Award for being "an outstanding employee".

Mr Adams, who has won the title for the East of England, said: "It was a very pleasant surprise and I'm happy to accept the award for all the people who have helped in the community."

Mr Adams, 63, has been at the Medway Centre since 1996 and has been a leading light for several projects in Huntingdon. Last year, he was chairman of the Huntingdon 800 Group which organised the town's octocentenary celebrations running through the year.

He also helped to raise more than £10,000 for The Children's Society in 2004, and last year he also co-ordinated festivities for the bicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The award, the Recognition Award 2006, is conferred by Recognition Express.

Mr Adams was nominated for the award by town clerk and treasurer, Michael Kennedy, who praised him for being an inspiration and a motivator who embraced a real sense of ownership and vision for the centre's future.

On Tuesday Mr Adams will join other regional winners in Oxford, where the national winner will be chosen.