A MAN who has given a lifetime of service to Earby has won a community award.

Ken Tennant, of Red Lion Street, will be this year's recipient of the Malcolm King Award.

The award is named after long-time deacon of the Catholic Church and former Earby resident, Malcolm King, who died in 2011.

Mr Tennant, 82, began his service to Earby 50 years ago doing youth club work. He has also been involved in amateur dramatics work.

He said: "I've seen a lot of these youth grow up to go on and become good citizens, parents and grandparents.

"I'm following on with Malcolm King's interests, who enjoyed music, drama and entertainment."

David Hartley, chairman of the Earby and District Churches Together, established the award after Mr King's death and said Mr Tennant was a very worthy recipient.

"I'm delighted Ken's been chosen," said Mr Hartley. "He's given a lifetime of service to Earby, he's a good organiser and he knows everybody."

Mr Tennant has seen a lot of community projects come to fruition over the years, including the restoration of Albion Hall, the building of Linden Road Community Centre, development of the New Road Community Centre and restoration of the old grammar school and its subsequent lease to the Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum.

The award will be given to Mr Tennant at the Malcolm King dinner and barn dance being held in the New Road Community Centre on Saturday, November 15.