A local councillor has been given a Government 'Points of Light' award for delivering bags of fruit and vegetables every week to vulnerable and elderly residents around the community.

District councillor Joe Porter, who represents the Brown Edge and Endon ward, was given the award yesterday (Thursday) for his food initiatives.

First introduced in the UK in 2014, Points of Light are awarded to a different person every day by the Prime Minister, to recognise volunteers who make a difference in their community.

As well as delivering food, Cllr Porter established an online forum to help locals connect with one another, and created a 'Help and Hope' scheme in partnership with two local churches to deliver weekly shopping, collect pharmacy prescriptions and run weekly chats with elderly and vulnerable people who may feel isolated.

Cllr Porter said: "I'm delighted to receive this Award from the Prime Minister for service to the people of Brown Edge and Endon during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Being a local councillor and serving the local community is a great honour and I would like to thank our Staffordshire Moorlands District Council staff for all their hard work during this difficult period.

"Ultimately, this has always been about helping elderly and vulnerable people when they have needed it."

Cllr Porter has also been commended for his work locally, with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council leader Sybil Ralphs saying: "As a councillor it is always gratifying to have your commitment and hard work recognised.

"Joe's service to the people of his Ward of Brown Edge & Endon during this current pandemic has been exemplary and he is fully deserving of this award.

"I am pleased that he has acknowledged and highlighted the work of the many hundreds of volunteers throughout the Moorlands who in these difficult and unprecedented times, have come together, singly and in organised groups, to help the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities."

Moorlands MP Karen Bradley added: "I am delighted to hear that Councillor Joe Porter is being recognised as a Point of Light by the Prime Minister.

"Joe has worked tirelessly to support his community throughout the pandemic and this award is very well deserved. Congratulations Joe on being the UK's 1466th Point of Light."