Trevor Hitchcock receives the very first Fortescue Shield from Honiton History Society for his work.

Midweek Herald: Trevor Hitchcock with a copy of the Fortescue Shield which he gets to keep. Photo by Terry Ife. Ref mhh 1383-06-14TI To order your copy of this photograph go to www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24Trevor Hitchcock with a copy of the Fortescue Shield which he gets to keep. Photo by Terry Ife. Ref mhh 1383-06-14TI To order your copy of this photograph go to www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24 (Image: Archant)

A local historian and former town mayor has been recognised for services to the town - keeping Honiton’s history alive today.

Trevor Hitchcock, who is a volunteer at Allhallows Museum and was the town mayor in 1974, is the very first winner of Honiton History Society’s Fortescue Shield.

He was presented with the award by the current mayor of Honiton, Councillor David Foster, and the president of the society, Stephen Fortescue, at a special dinner and exhibition at the Mackarness Hall hosted by Honiton History Society.

“It is a tremendous honour,” said Trevor. “It was quite a surprise I must admit but I am very pleased.”

The award was in recognition of Trevor’s work. Last November he released his latest book Honiton Yesterday and Today, which is a collection of historical photographs of the town with modern day views of the same sites. Trevor also writes a monthly column called Historic Honiton and has over the years produced a number of books about the town’s history including Honiton History Trails, Honiton Inns, and also one about the life of expert lace maker Pat Perryman.

Trevor was also presented with a smaller shield to keep as a memento and will keep the large Fortescue Shield for a year.