A RETIRED Endmoor farmer has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the delivery of Hyperfast broadband to two counties, as well as his village.

Colin Wightman, 68, who is from the village, was sent the Commendation Certificate from Lancaster District CVS by the Mayor of Lancaster.

FARMER: Colin Wightman of Endmoor

FARMER: Colin Wightman of Endmoor

He was chosen for the award in recognition of his work over the past few years as a volunteer worker for Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN).

He has been involved in everything from helping to design the network to re-turfing lawns in Preston Richard.

He also volunteered in Old Hutton, New Hutton, and Preston Patrick.

The aim of his work has been to assist in the delivery of fibre-based broadband to the difficult to reach rural areas, at a rate of 1000 megabits per second.

A retired farmer and hard worker, Colin said he was ‘well chuffed’ at receiving the award and shows no signs of stopping the work until the job is done for his community.

NOMINATED: Colin Wightman pictured with his award

NOMINATED: Colin Wightman pictured with his award

Colin said: “I’m really happy with the award. I’m well chuffed.

“It’s nice to see the hard work we’re doing paying off, and a little recognition is greatly appreciated and humbling.

“I got it in the post, at first I didn’t know what it was.

“I just saw an envelope that just said, ‘do not bend’ and thought it was going to jury service or something. When I saw it I was very happy.

“We’ve been digging a lot around the village over the past few weeks. A lot of it is finding places where the network routes will go.

“I’ve been working on Gatebeck farm for 40 years. My brother George also worked on there with me a lot. I retired three years ago and have been working on this ever since really.

“I feel great about it. It was such a nice surprise because no one said anything about it.

“I think it calls for a few pints at the pub for this.”

A spokesman for the B4RN project in Preston Richard said,

BROADBAND: Endmoor Village looks to get faster broadband thanks to volunteers work with B4RN

BROADBAND: Endmoor Village looks to get faster broadband thanks to volunteers work with B4RN

“Colín has played a major role in this community project.

“He has been actively involved in every aspect from helping to determine the best route for the network to re-turfing lawns.

“What is really amazing is that the current Project for Preston Richard is the fourth he has been involved in after Old Hutton, New Hutton and Preston Patrick parishes — a top guy “

John Lyons said: “Colin is a bit of a legend round here. Worked hard all his life and he deserves the recognition.”