A Dorset man is set to appear on TV screens next week to accept a prestigious award.

Lyme Regis’s very own ‘ray of sunshine’ Joshua Denning was named the winner of ITV Westcountry's fundraiser of the year at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards.

He will now appear on TV screens across the country when the award show airs on Thursday, October 24 on ITV and ITVX at 8pm.

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. 

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 £50,000 for local causes. 

Mr Denning is one of 17 regional winners in the Fundraiser of the Year category and will find out on the night if he has won the overall award.

He will be attending the awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London with his mum Annette.

More recently, the 20-year-old was also granted the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Lyme Regis at a special meeting of Lyme Regis Town Council.

READ MORE: Dorset's Joshua Denning wins Pride of Britain Award

READ MORE: Joshua Denning given Freedom of the Town of Lyme Regis

The town council unanimously supported the proposal to name Joshua a Freeman of the Town, acknowledging the dedication and commitment he has shown to the many local organisations he has volunteered for.

Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Philip Evans put Mr Denning forward for the award after he collected £50,000 for local events and organisations. 

The only other Lyme citizen to hold the Freedom of the Town is Phil Street, awarded for his years as town crier and work with the twinning association.

Former mayor Stan Williams, now deceased, was also a Freeman for his long service to the borough and town councils stretching back 60 years.