A man described as a 'ray of sunshine' in the Lyme Regis community has been nominated for a national award for his dedication to fundraising. 

Joshua Denning, 20, from Lyme Regis has made the final four nominees for ITV's Pride of Britain Awards.

Ever since he was a child, Joshua has been out and about with his collection bucket raising money for many important charities including the RNLI, Marie Curie, Lyme Regis Carnival, the Poppy Appeal and many more. 

In the past five years he has raised a total of £25,000 for local causes. 

Now Joshua has been nominated by members of the public for a Pride of Britain Award.

His mother Annette Denning said: "He's a ray of a sunshine. I'm so proud of him. It's always been something he has enjoyed doing. 

Joshua Denning with his mum Annette Denning and younger brother JacobJoshua Denning with his mum Annette Denning and younger brother Jacob (Image: Annette Denning) "He is autistic and didn't start talking till nine-years-old. He wanted to get involved in things and found the easiest way he could do it was with a collecting bucket. It all stemmed from there. 

"He often gets recognised and gets called "the face of Lyme Regis"

The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards celebrate the achievements of remarkable people who strive to make the world a better place.

The public nominate who they think deserve to win an award. The categories are:

  • ITV Fundraiser of the Year,

  • Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year

  • This Morning Emergency Services Award.

  • TSB Community Hero 

  • Outstanding Bravery 

  • Child/Teenager of Courage 

  • Lifetime Achievement 

  • Special recognition 

Local nominations flooded in for Joshua who has often been called Lyme Regis' best collector by passers-by.

His mother added: "I think most of Lyme Regis nominated him. I got told by ITV that they've never had so many nominations for one person

"He's immensely dedicated, out there even in the pouring rain with his collecting bucket. During lifeboat week for example he was there for 12 hours a day sometimes.

"I don't think he understands how much money he is raising - he just loves seeing people and being out to help the community. "

The winner of the Pride of Britain award will be decided by a panel. The Pride of Britain Awards are held annually in October and the ceremony will be shown on ITV.