A weekly newspaper editor has been honoured with her town’s highest honour for her outstanding contribution to the area.

Weston Mercury editor Judi Kisiel picked up the Borough Shield at the prestigious Mayor’s Ball.

Her achievements include fundraising for the local hospital and hospice, where she spearheaded a campaign to raise £250,000 in 18 months for a scanner, and raised £67,000 in one night for the hospice at a dinner to remember TV presenter – and former Weston-super-Mare reporter – Jill Dando.

And one of the Somerset town’s top tourist attractions, Jill’s Garden – also in memory of Jill Dando – was Judi’s brainchild. She also backs the Mercury Mendip Walk and the Christmas Tree of Light which raise regular funds for Weston Hospicecare.

Judi (left) told the audience at the Ball: “I have one of the best jobs in the town. It is a great honour to be given this award, and it is the Weston & Somerset Mercury that has given me the chance to make a difference.”

The mayor admitted that on several occasions he had sworn never to buy the Archant-owned title again after reading the strong Opinions column on its pages.

But he had always relented the following Friday to make sure he didn’t miss out on what was happening.

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