A headteacher retiring after 24 years has been rewarded for his services to the community.

Richard Coghlan, of St Richard's School, Bredenbury, was chosen to receive one of this year's Bromyard and Winslow Distinguished Citizens Awards.

Mr Coghlan started at the school in 1981, after spending 20 years in the army. He is retiring in July, but will continue to teach at the school.

He has organised numerous charity events at the school and regularly raises money for St Michael's Hospice and an orphanage in India.

Mr Coghlan offers the school's facilities to local groups, including Bromyard Wind Band and the Conquest Theatre, and holds regular village fetes.

"I'm very surprised to get the award and I'm wondering who nominated me," he said.

Also receiving an award is Joan Dauncey, a former town mayor, long-standing town councillor and organiser of the Bromyard Spring Festival of Town Criers.

She and her husband, town crier Peter Dauncey, set up the town's monthly newsletter, Off the Record, three years ago.

"I'm surprised but very pleased," said Mrs Dauncey. "Bromyard is the type of place with a lot of community spirit.

"It's a small town with a big heart."

Also receiving awards are fundraiser Maureen Jones, Bromyard Floral Group member Mary Smith, former town mayor Martin Ganderton and bowls club treasurer Vera Powell.

Mayor Pearl Briggs said: "We're always amazed at how many wonderful people there are in Bromyard, who give so much of their free time to the benefit of the town and others.

"It's very rewarding to the town council when we see those people nominated."

Awards will be presented at a ceremony in September.