Charity founder Clement (Clem) Talbot has been hailed as a local hero for his contributions to Bermuda.Mr Talbot was yesterday presented with the Bermuda CableVision Community Service Award, by the company’s general manager, Terry Roberson.He was also congratulated by Youth, Families, Sports and Community Minister Glenn Blakeney.In a ceremony at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Mr Talbot was given a round of applause as the 1993 founder of an annual charity golf tournament, named in honour of his father, Ross (Blackie) Talbot.Blackie Talbot was a member of the calypso group The Talbot Brothers, and an avid golfer.The Ross (Blackie) Talbot Charity Classic has gone on to raise more than $3 million, for more than 75 Bermudian charities.CableVision also donated $1,000 to the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation.The Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships, and helped families in the aftermath of Hurricane Fabian with discounted generators.Mr Roberson said: “I know first hand that there is no one more deserving of this accolade. He is a true local hero and an inspiration to others a perfect candidate.“Through founding this popular fixture on the Bermuda community calendar, along with the charitable foundation, Clem’s positive impacts are far-reaching, fulfilling a variety of needs.“He has also laid strong foundations for the future by supporting the academic education, as well as the golf, musical and performing art’s talents of over 50 young Bermudians. A truly outstanding contribution to the welfare of our community.”Mr Blakeney called the golf tournament “a much-loved and anticipated fixture on the Bermuda calendar”.He said: “It stands as an example of how we can work together to help each other, even in the most difficult of economic climates.“The financial and non-financial benefits that Clem has brought over the last two decades are extraordinary and thoroughly deserving of this recognition today.”Accepting his award, Mr Talbot said he was “surprised, but honoured”.He said: “Besides the financial support that the tournament has been able to extend to local causes, I am most proud of the added value that it has provided.“The competition brings together people from across the island, from all backgrounds and walks of life, facilitating the forging of new friendships and promoting mutual respect among those who attend.”CableVision’s next Community Service Award will be presented in July.