Adaptive surf instructor wins Unsung Hero award

A surf instructor who helps make the sport accessible for people with disabilities has been chosen as the winner of this year's BBC South West Unsung Hero award.

Ian Bennett volunteers with Croyde Surf Life Saving Club, the England Adaptive Surf team and community group Access for All.

He also works for the Wave Project charity as the adaptive surf lead.

Nicki Palmer, whose 17-year-old son George has multiple disabilities and has been helped by Mr Bennett said he was "the kindest, most caring, passionate person I know".

She said: "What he's doing for adaptive surfing in this country is amazing.

"They're not just a team that helps him [George] get in the ocean, they've become friends of his.

"They know him inside out, Ian sometimes pops round the house to see him in his spare time and check he's ok."

Lifeguard and fellow adaptive surf instructor Andy Hawker said Mr Bennett was "a very modest man," who "never takes any credit" for the support and opportunities he provides.

"Without him we wouldn't have adaptive surfing here", he said.

"He's developed the training, he's developed the equipment and he's constantly trying to improve all the time, so a remarkable man."

Mr Bennett said it was nice to be recognised for the work he and his team were doing.

"It's just a brilliant team that enables the beach to be so much more accessible to people.

"We all get a buzz out of surfing and I think everyone should be entitled to a go at that."

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