Dave Collister has been recognised for his service to Castletown, not least his unwavering dedication to the art of tin bath racing and man powered flight.

He is the first recipient of the Derek Nicholson Trophy trophy, which has been created in memory of the former Southern 100 Club president who worked tirelessly to help and improve the community.

Castletown Commissioners’ chairman Richard McAleer said: ’This is thoroughly well deserved and long overdue recognition of the selfless service of David Collister not only to the town of Castletown but the island as a whole.

’The World Tin Bath Races are known worldwide and this is in no small part to the efforts of David. I am delighted that the inaugural Derek Nicholson Trophy has been awarded to such a deserving recipient.’

Dave has a long history of giving back to the town, where he has lived most of his life. He has taken an active part in the community, playing football and hockey and becoming a popular character around the ancient capital.

He was a volunteer fireman with the Castletown brigade for 35 years and was also in the Civil Defence.

He has been a long-time Southern 100 marshal, 55 years marshalling at Iron Gate, then Castletown Corner and has been radio operator.

He was involved in the Manx Festival of Music and Dancing which was based in Castletown.

He is also a local historian, with special interest in Castletown and the town’s brewery where he worked for 23 years. He does regular talks and slide shows on these subjects he also has a huge collection of brewery paraphernalia and memorabilia.

But it’s his charity work he’s most famous for, as a member of Castletown Ale Drinkers and a founding member of the World Tin Bath Championships which is in its 48th year this year and the original, New Year’s Day dip which will be 56 in 2020.

The CADS have raised more than £300,000 for local charities. Dave is the face and voice of the World Tin Baths competition and has done many TV and radio interviews not only in the UK but around the world.

Dave has given his time to many things ane one of his proudest is making three trips from the island to Romania, taking Manx government donated fire engines and training Romanian crews how to use them.

Mr Nicholson’s dedication to the community gave Southern 100 club member Boris Kitching the idea for the award.

The club, joined by Castletown Commissioners, purchased the trophy and replica, which was presented ’For Services to Castletown’ to Dave.

Given Dave’s involvement in town life, keeping it a secret was a challenge. Dave said: ’I was totally shocked, the stories I was told to get me to be in the square ... half the town knew about it! It was a great honour, it was brilliant.’