A dedicated fundraiser has officially become a town’s youngest-ever Freeman.

Joshua Denning, 20, was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Lyme Regis by the town council at a special ceremony in the Guildhall.

Members of Lyme Regis Town Council voted unanimously to bestow the honour on Joshua in recognition of the support he has given and the funds he has raised for local organisations.

It was also in recognition of his recent ITV Westcountry Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award.

Back row, from left, Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, mayor Cllr Philip Evans, Freeman Joshua Denning, and deputy mayor Cllr Michaela Ellis, Cllr Gill Stammers. Front row, from left, Cllr Adrian Wood and Cllr Caroline Aldridge (Image: Lyme Regis Town Council)

Surrounded by his family, friends and councillors, Joshua was presented with his Freedom scroll and the ‘keys to the town’ at the ceremony on Friday night (November 15).

Mayor Cllr Philip Evans said: “Tonight, we make history for Lyme Regis and this is where the history of this town has taken place over hundreds of years.

“These events don’t happen very often, in fact twice in the last 60 years.

“This is a very special time. Very special for this council but particularly special for one young man. You know who I’m talking about and he’s about to become the youngest Freeman of Lyme Regis at the age of 20.”

Cllr Evans gave a special welcome to former town crier Phil Street, who was awarded the Freedom of the Town in 2011 and is the only surviving Freeman of Lyme Regis, and Anita Williams, daughter of the late Stan Williams, a former mayor and deputy mayor who was the last person to be made a Freeman in 2021.

Joshua's mum Annette Denning said: "Another fabulous time we won't forget.

"I am so proud of Joshua and Jacob. It was lovely to spend the evening with family and friends to celebrate Joshua's Freedom of the town.

"It most certainly has been our year this year."

Joshua Denning with former town crier Phil Street, the only other surviving Freeman of the Town (Image: Lyme Regis Town Council)

The mayor said he wanted to reward those who worked hard for the town and granting an Honorary Freedom was the highest honour the council could bestow.

He added: “What Joshua has achieved since he was nine-years-old has been absolutely fantastic and the amount of money he has collected is astronomical.

“There is absolutely no doubt he has been a star of this town for many years and becoming the Westcountry Pride of Britain winner, receiving the most nominations anyone had ever had, he has actually brought a huge amount of publicity to our town.”

Joshua Denning, centre, with mum Annette and brother Jacob (Image: Lyme Regis Town Council)

Cllr Evans also paid tribute to Joshua’s family, especially mum Annette who was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and brother Jacob, who he called ‘an extraordinary young man’ for his own achievements and for supporting his older brother.