Mr Berwin, partner of Harrogate law firm Berwins, was presented with the award for his fundraising activities and his role within the local community.

He will take part in the Wetherby Triathlon on May 25 to raise money for Harrogate Community House Trust Limited.

“The event involves plunging into the River Wharfe for a chilly and murky 1500 metre swim, cycling 40km to Boroughbridge and back, and then bashing out 10km from Wetherby to Spofforth and back,” said Mr Berwin.

Harrogate Community House provides serviced office accommodation at affordable rents for local voluntary and community groups and charities on a non-profit-making basis. It also provides a library with information likely to be useful to its tenants and the public who use their services, together with fully equipped meeting rooms which can be hired by the hour.

Money raised by Mr Berwin’s triathlon attempt will help to refurbish the reception areas to improve accessibility and usability. He revealed that a benefactor had offered to match all funds raised.

To support Paul Berwin’s charity triathlon, which will start at Wetherby Ings at 8am on Sunday May 25, visit:

http://www.justgiving.com/paulberwin-hgtecommunityhouse2008.