ShelterBox man's Trelawny honour

Tom Henderson was presented with the plate by Cornwall's Lord Lieutenant

The founder of an aid box charity in Cornwall has been presented with an award for his outstanding contribution to the county.

Tom Henderson, the founder of the Shelterbox charity, has been awarded the Trelawny Plate.

It recognises the exceptional leadership of someone who represents the best in Cornishness and spirit.

Mr Henderson, who received the award at Pelynt Parish Church, said he accepted it on behalf of the group's volunteers.

ShelterBox, which is based in Helston, was founded in 2000 by the Helston-Lizard Rotary Club and has already provided emergency relief to people hit by natural disasters in more than 50 countries.

It sends boxes which contain blankets, a 10-person tent, water purification and cooking equipment, basic tools, a stove and other equipment. The boxes cost £490 each.

The Trelawny Plate originally belonged to Bishop Trelawny, who was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1688.

He was one of seven bishops charged with high treason for refusing to implement King James II's Declaration of Indulgence granting religious tolerance to Catholics.

Bishop Trelawny was held for three weeks, then tried and acquitted. He died in 1721.

The original plate is in the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro.

A pewter replica, donated by Sir John Trelawny, was presented to Mr Henderson at a special service of thanksgiving and commemoration at Pelynt Church by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Lady Mary Holborow.