A FORMER Bournemouth councillor has been hailed as a ‘local hero’ at an awards ceremony recognising excellence among the over-65s.

Ted Taylor, 76, was given a prize at the 2013 Churchill Awards, which were founded by Churchill Retirement Living.

The former councillor, 76, was hailed for his support of the community in Kinson and West Howe.

He has championed youth and community work since the 1960s.

Ted was voted by listeners of Wave 105 alongside Gillian Watts, of Hampshire, and Ron Halls, of West Sussex.

They received their awards in London last week.

Spencer McCarthy, chairman and group MD of Churchill Retirement Living, said: “As a group the older generation still has an awful lot to contribute to society and we have created the Churchill Awards specifically to honour and recognise that contribution.”

Other winners included Sir Alex Ferguson, Nicholas Parsons and Dame Helen Mirren.