A volunteer has won an award for his contribution to the borough's arts and culture.

Sutton Arts Council’s visual arts officer John Thornton, who is also secretary of the Carshalton Society, was declared volunteer of the month as part of Sutton’s Council’s year of the volunteer scheme.

He has been volunteering in the borough since the 1960s.

He said: “So many arts, history and culture groups rely on volunteers and I think it is important to carry their good work forward.

“It is increasingly difficult for them to attract new volunteers, so I would appeal for anyone with interests to get out and support the local groups and organisations who are keeping our local cultural heritage alive.”