A COMMUNITY champion who worked tirelessly to make his neighbourhood a better place to live has been nominated for a posthumous York Community Pride award.

Keith Chapman was a former chairman and active committee member of the Nunnery Area Residents’ Association. He died suddenly in January at the age of 71.

His neighbours and friends have now nominated him for the Neighbour of the Year award at this year’s Community Pride Awards.

Nunnery Area Residents’ Association (NARA) chair Elin Hullis said Keith is “greatly missed” in the community.

She said: “Keith was a very popular member of the community and was a favourite writing in to York Press with his campaigning and distinctly unique way of writing or up to date innovative ideas.

“He cared so much about his community and, despite his ill health, always helped those in need as he believed they were worse off than himself, including looking after other elderly residents in need or coming up with ideas at the residents association meetings how to promote inclusivity without prejudice.

“Keith is a sorely missed member of the Nunnery Area community and his legacy lives on as he inspires us to never give up in campaigning for our community to be a better place to live.”

The Good Neighbour of the Year award, sponsored by bus company First York, honours individuals who go out of their way to help friends or neighbours.

The Press reported in 2007 how Mr Chapman was hailed a hero after his quick thinking helped save a frail 82-year-old neighbour who had suffered a bad fall at her home.

After seeing her lying on the floor through a window, he called for paramedics and later said he wanted the episode to be used to highlight the importance of a warden call system for old people living alone.

Elin added that the association is now planning to create a memorial garden to honour Keith’s contribution to his community.

She said: “We would love it if Keith could win this award posthumously. We know if he was here he would say he didn’t know what the fuss was about and think what he achieved was normal. NARA beg to differ.

“He was an inspiration and we have plans to remember his legacy. A Community Pride award would be absolutely fitting to remember him.”

Nominations for the Community Pride Awards are now open and nominees must live in, or contribute to the community within the City of York Council area. For information or to submit your nomination visit yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride. The closing date for entries is July 27.