There’s not much Iain Langdon doesn’t do to help the community in and around Grundisburgh, near Woodbridge.

Since settling in the village to start a family in the late 70s, he has become an integral part of numerous local organisations.

His public service began when he co-founded the Grundisburgh Amateur Dramatic Society with BBC Radio Suffolk’s Rachel Sloane, after being asked by the local headmaster to help raise money for the school by putting on a pantomime.

The father-of-three became chairman of the Friends of Grundisburgh School, where he was instrumental in supporting its move from an old Victorian building to a new modern site.

Mr Langdon, 61, said: “I’m a great believer in volunteering time for the benefit of your local community. I find it quite difficult to say no to things, and have therefore been involved in lots of organisations.

“This award came completely out of the blue. I was quite astonished.

“Grundisburgh has so much going on. I’m sincerely pleased that these awards publicise community service, not just in villages but also urban areas.”

Mr Langdon moved to the area after BT relocated its main research centre to Martlesham. He retired from the firm in 2001 and lectured at the University of Essex - where he had gained a master’s degree - until retiring from that role three years ago.

He is treasurer of the Grundisburgh, Burgh and Culpho horticulture society, which is holding on open gardens weekend across the three villages this Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-6pm.

In addition to his community volunteering, he still finds the time to organise the distribution of the Grundisburgh News.

As parish councillor, he has performed seasonal service for eight years and recently became a member of the New Village Hall committee. He was heavily involved in the Jubilee celebrations and is also a volunteer cleaner at St Mary’s church as well as a trustee of the local Sir William Brampton Gurdon Cottage Trust.