UNDER his stewardship, it has grown to be one of the largest charities in Selby district - now the long-standing chairman of Age Concern Selby has stood down.

David Dykes, 79, of Hemingbrough, has retired from the organisation after 23 years involvement.

When he joined as a trustee in 1984, it was called Selby Old People's Welfare Age Concern.

Chief executive Jackie Mook said: "I've worked with him for ten years and he has been a pillar of the community.

"He has done lots of fundraising and has done a lot for the support of Age Concern and old people in general in the district.

Mr Dykes, who owned the Volvo dealership in Hemingbrough, retired in 1987 and devoted his time to charity work.

"Since I joined, Age Concern has gone from having just three staff, to having a shop, owning that building and running two minibuses, in Tadcaster and in Selby," he said.

He has also been a parish councillor, president of the Rotary Club and president of the district's junior football league.

Even in his 80th year, he is keeping himself busy. "I've just moved house and now I'm busy getting the new bungalow sorted, fitting a new bathroom," he said.