A young man described as a 'ray of sunshine' in the Lyme Regis community has won an award for his dedication to fundraising. 

Joshua Denning, 20, from Lyme Regis has been named the winner of ITV Westcountry's fundraiser of the year at the Daily Mirror'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. 

(Image: Rob James, Love Lyme Regis)

Joshua, who is autistic and didn't start talking until he was nine, said it was "fantastic" to have won the award, which celebrates the achievements of remarkable people who strive to make the world a better place.

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

Read more: Lyme Regis man in final for ITV's Pride of Britain Awards

Joshua's mum, Annette Denning said: "I am truly lost for words and really want to thank everyone in Lyme Regis and visitors who support Joshua because without you this couldn't have happened."

Local nominations flooded in for Joshua - who has often been called Lyme Regis' best collector by passers-by. Anette says she's been told by people at ITV that they have never seen so many nominations for a candidate.

(Image: Rob James, Love Lyme Regis)

Annette added: "We never expected to win something like this. All the others who were nominated were doing amazing work for charity as well.

"I am extremely proud of him. Doing the collecting has given him the confidence to talk to people, and because everybody knows him they look out for him as well.

"I don't think he will ever want to give up fundraising."

The winner of the Pride of Britain award is decided by a panel. It is held annually in October and the ceremony is shown on the ITV West County evening news on Friday.

Joshua currently attends Employ My Ability, a SEND provision for 16 to 25-year-olds focusing on training, accreditation and qualifications to enable pathways into employment.

A party will be held at the Lyme Regis Football Club on Saturday, October 2 from 7pm to celebrate Joshua's achievement. Joshua has picked out four local charities to support, and everybody is welcome to attend.