Journalist Bob Drayton has been rewarded for his work in the profession with an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Bob, who is group deputy editor of Newsquest (Somerset), is based in Taunton and has day-to-day control of the subbing operation at eight weekly newspapers.

He was awarded the MBE "for services to journalism and to the local community".

He has been involved in many aspects of community life in his home town of Ilminster for many years, with his most recent efforts coming from his work on the Christmas lights working party, which also organised a decorated shop window competition.

As a journalist, Bob began his latest stint at the company in 1983 and was previously editor of the Chard and Ilminster News.

Editor-in-chief Ken Bird said: "We are all absolutely delighted for Bob. He has been one of the backbones of our editorial department for many years and it's good to see the effort he has devoted to local newspapers rewarded in this way."

The group's newspapers include the Somerset County Gazette, Bridgwater Mercury, Chard & Ilminster News and Yeovil Express.

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