IT took the dust to settle before the chairman of West Somerset Council could award Allen and Sarah Loveday a Parish Champions certificate.

The couple missed the awards ceremony at the council chamber, reported last week, when the volcanic eruption in Iceland delayed their flight from the US after a family holiday.

Stogursey Parish Council and district councillor Chris Morgan nominated the Lovedays for a decade of running the popular It’s a Knockout event, which has raised more than £53,000 for charities.

Chairman Cllr Eddie May visited the Lovedays at the Greyhound Inn at Stogursey to present them with their certificate in front of the nominators and the It’s a Knockout support team.

Cllr May said: “They rightly deserve recognition for all the work they have put in over the years and for raising so much money for charities.”

Cllr Chris Morgan said: “We are very lucky in Stogursey in that we have a terrific community spirit. Without this, we wouldn’t be looking at the successes achieved by Alan and Sarah.”

Allen Loveday said: “It’s a Knockout was started to bring some extra community spirit to Stogursey and it has been a pleasure to do.

“However, the committee desperately needs younger people if it is to keep going. We don’t want to lose the Knockout but we do need new people to help run it.”

Sarah Loveday echoed his sentiments, saying: “We would love to hear from anyone in the area who wishes to help. When we say younger people, we’d welcome anyone under the age of 70!

“The Knockout has strong support in Stogursey but we need more helpers behind the scenes or the event planned for this August may have to be the last one – and none of us want that.”

Anyone who wants to help organise It’s a Knockout can contact Allen or Sarah on 01278-732408.