A well-known “pillar of the community” has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to a Bury St Edmunds estate.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ernie Broom (left) is presented with his scroll by town and borough councillor Paul Hopfensperger. Picture: BECCY HOPFENSPERGERErnie Broom (left) is presented with his scroll by town and borough councillor Paul Hopfensperger. Picture: BECCY HOPFENSPERGER (Image: Archant)

Ernie Broom, 82, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award for his work on the Howard estate – which he has called home since 1965.

Mr Broom, who moved to the estate from London when it was first built, has been involved in numerous projects, clubs and organisations over his 53 years on the Howard.

Borough and town councillor Paul Hopfensperger presented Mr Broom with the award under the scheme set up in 2016 to allow councillors to reward up to two people in their wards during their four-year term of office.

Known as The St Edmundsbury Councillor Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community, recipients are given a scroll of honour.

The award was given to Mr Broom at the Howard Estate Over 60s Club, which he founded.

Mr Broom said: “I was very surprised and quite unaware of it.

“I was just at the over 60s club when Paul came in and said a few words and presented the award.

“I feel very proud and honoured to receive it. I think it’s an absolutely brilliant scheme where people in our town can be recognised for their work.

“I don’t go on Facebook much but someone told me that there were lots of nice messages on there. I’m humbled that people think of me in that manner, I’m very lucky.”

In his presentation speech, Mr Hopfensperger said: “If my calculations are correct, I have known Ernie for over 43 years now, and it has been my honour to work for him, here on the estate as firstly a Suffolk county councillor, but more recently as a town and borough councillor.

“His enthusiasm for everything he does is unwavering. Be it convincing ASDA to come to town, trying to protect the three-tier schooling system on the estate, being chair of this over 60’s club, and right through to providing the new memorial garden currently being installed on the Oakes Road playing field.

“His achievements are too many to list here, but I think you get my point. He is a pillar of this community, and puts everything he has, into everything he does.”