A PENSIONER who voluntarily dedicates hours each week to keeping a city park an oasis of peace and serenity is in line for a top award.

John Coulson has been put forward in the Volunteer Of The Year category in The Press’s Community Awards for working day in, day out at West Bank Park, in Holgate, and keeping it in tip-top shape.

Green-fingered John never fails to make a daily trip to the park, making sure it is free of litter, the plants are watered and the birds are fed.

The 73-year-old, of New Lane, Acomb, has been put forward for the award by his granddaughter, Lauren.

She said it was about time he was rewarded for all his hard work.

Lauren said: “John makes an outstanding contribution to West Bank Park.

“He has been visiting and helping at the park for more than 40 years, and showing his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchildren about birds, nature and the beauty of being outside.

“I know, being his granddaughter, that John lives for the park, knowing he can do his bit to help.”

John, who chairs the Friends of West Bank Park volunteer group, has also been central in helping to get the park awarded the coveted Green Flag status – the national benchmark for the quality of green spaces – in recognition of its role as a focal point for the community in the area.

Lauren said: “Every single day he goes into the park, picks up the litter, feeds the birds and makes sure everything is in order.

“Recently John has had a bad back and can hardly bend, but he still makes an effort to go to the park – it means so much to him.

“This is why I think he should win this award.”

If you think you know an unsung hero that deserves recognition in our Community Pride Awards – run in conjunction with City of York Council – then we would love to hear from you.

It can be a tremendous teacher, tireless fundraiser, courageous child, sporting hero – or someone that fills the criteria set out in the category list that accompanies this article.

Simply fill in the entry form and send it along with a (non-returnable) picture of your nominee, plus any other information, to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or email us at editor@thepress.co.uk