Dedication and hard work for an important local amenity earns Citizen of the Year.

In a resounding vote during last week’s Salcombe Town Council meeting, Peter Tobin was chosen as Salcombe’s Citizen of the Year for 2018/19.

Pete has been the chairperson for Salcombe Swimming Pool for eight years after working on the committee since 2000 and becoming a trustee in 2006, and “works tirelessly” to keep it open for residents and visitors alike.

He “lives and breathes” the swimming pool, overseeing all aspects of the pool’s operation, from fundraising to doing more than his fair share of being on duty.

His mother, Diane (Mary) Tobin said of him: “He works so hard, pouring his heart and soul into the project daily.”

One of his nominators, Tim Mattocks said: “Without his efforts, there would be no pool.”

After the vote, Mayor Cllr Nikki Turton said: “As this year is the 40th anniversary of the pool’s opening, it is most fitting that ‘Mr Swimming Pool’ is recognised for his dedication to this very important local amenity, and we look forward to officially marking the occasion with a presentation at our Civic Lunch later in the year.”

Peter said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled by the fact that, not only have people taken the time to nominate me - but that the town council have voted to make me the Citizen of the Year for 2018!

“The award is to recognise the amount of time that I have given, and still give, to maintain and run the Salcombe & District Swimming Pool on Onslow Road.

“I am often asked, ‘Why do you put so much time and effort into it?’, and the answer is quite simple: When I was at Salcombe Primary, the pool was built and I helped raise money for it.

“I was taught to swim at the pool (before it was heated!) and my children have learnt to swim at the pool. We (the trustees and committee members) are custodians of the pool, and we have to keep it going for the current and future generations to have a safe and enjoyable swimming venue.”

During Pete’s time with the pool, the committee has added gas boilers and central heating, solar panels - with the help of an SHDC grant, automatic chemical dosing and improved decor throughout the site.

The pool is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported by qualified lifeguards, and is always looking for helpers to staff the foyer and assist in sourcing funding to keep it going.