Joshua Denning is youngest-ever Freeman of Lyme Regis

Joshua Denning was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Lyme Regis by the town council at a special ceremony in the Guildhall.

The council unanimously voted in October to honour Joshua for his support and the funds he has raised for organisations.

His recent ITV Westcountry Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year Award was also recognised.

Surrounded by family, friends, and councillors, Joshua was presented with his Freedom scroll and the keys to the town at the ceremony on Friday night.

Mayor Councillor Philip Evans said: "Tonight, we make history for Lyme Regis and this is where the history of this town has taken place over hundreds of years.

"These events don't happen very often, in fact twice in the last 60 years.

"This is a very special time.

has become the youngest-ever Freeman of Lyme Regis (Image: supplied)

"Very special for this council but particularly special for one young man."

Mr Evans welcomed former town crier Phil Street, who was awarded the Freedom of the Town in 2011, and Anita Williams, daughter of the late Stan Williams, a former mayor and deputy mayor who was the last person to be made a Freeman in 2021.

The mayor said he wanted to reward those who worked hard for the town and granting Honorary Freedom was the highest honour the council could bestow.

He said: "What Joshua has achieved since he was nine years old has been absolutely fantastic and the amount of money he has collected is astronomical.

"There is absolutely no doubt he has been a star of this town for many years and becoming the Westcountry Pride of Britain winner, receiving the most nominations anyone had ever had, he has actually brought a huge amount of publicity to our town."

Mr Evans also paid tribute to Joshua's family, especially mum Annette who was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and brother Jacob, who he called "an extraordinary young man" for his achievements and for supporting his older brother.

Presenting the certificate, Mr Evans added: "We are so proud of you in this town and we hope you will hang this in your house so that everybody who walks into your house knows that you are a Freeman of Lyme Regis.

"It's my greatest pleasure as mayor of the town to present this wonderful achievement to a wonderful young man, who has set the standard of young people working for their community."