A QUARRY Bank man has been shortlisted for a prestigious community hero award after devoting time to help his elderly and disabled neighbours.

Derek Hingley, of Honister Close, has been nominated for the annual Outstanding Citizen award, organised by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

He was put up for the award by Dudley Council Housing Manager Kelly Callo, who praised Derek – a much respected local volunteer – for the work he does in the community.

Kelly said: “Derek devotes much of his spare time to helping out the residents. He acts as a community watch and helps the elderly with their shopping and visits to their GP or hospital.

“The Honsiter Close residents look to him for support and he works closely with the council housing department to ensure that any problems are reported and the area is kept safe and secure for the good of the neighbourhood.”

Lye charity Apni Zaroorat Community Network (AZCN) has also been nominated for a Crime Commissioner award in the Outstanding Community Project category.

The charity, whose name in Urdu means ‘Our Needs’, is based at Lye Community Centre and works to improve the lives of women, young people and their families from all ethnic backgrounds.

Nominated by PC Paul Davies, he said of the charity: “The women volunteers who run the youth group are a really dedicated group. They encourage local youngsters to take part in positive activities in a bid to discourage anti-social or criminal behaviour.

“AZCN’s work in the local community has had a tremendous impact in preventing local youngsters becoming involved in crime and drug abuse and instead teaching them about responsible citizenship.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who launched the search for community heroes in January, said: “These awards give us all the opportunity to show our appreciation to unsung heroes or heroines who are worthy of special recognition for outstanding acts of good citizenship.

“It really is quite humbling to know that there are so many kind and good-hearted people willing to help their neighbours and loved ones.

“For both Derek and AZCN to be shortlisted is a testament to the high regard in which they are held by their local communities.”

The winners in the three award categories – which also includes Outstanding Young Citizen under the age of 18 – will be announced at a ceremony on June 30.