Community stalwart Allan Glew says at a young 75 he is working harder now than he ever did for a pay packet – and loves every minute of it.

Despite having major heart surgery in 1999 and being told by doctors he would never work again, Mr Glew has kept himself active by helping out on Keighley’s Bracken Bank estate where he had lived for the past 20 years.

He says staying busy has taken his mind off the smoking and drinking he gave up when he had a new aorta valve fitted and has helped him enjoy his fitter life to the full – by looking after others and being a pivotal part of life at the Sue Belcher Community Centre near his home in Central Avenue.

Mr Glew's dedication to his neighbourhood has seen him nominated for this year's Community Stars Awards recognising unsung heroes.

He is a volunteer and treasurer at the community centre where he organises fundraising events. The last was a Medieval fete.

And it is almost one year since he set up a successful Good Life Coffee Stop on a Monday to help beat loneliness. He also helps out with community clean-ups, is quick to grab a paint brush to revamp the centre, organises day trips and keeps an eye out for neighbours.

Community Centre manager Pip Gibson, who nominated him for the top volunteer, good neighbour and fundraiser categories as well as his coffee venture for the best community group, said: “Allan devotes his care and attention to everyone and everything. He is selfless and honest, shows compassion, is caring and understanding and is non-judgemental with a fantastic ability to make you laugh. The local community benefits greatly from the dedication and commitment he gives.”

The Community Stars campaign is being organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council to see hardworking volunteers rewarded.

Readers are being invited to nominate people in their streets and communities who they feel have gone the extra mile.

Nominations, which must be received by Monday, September 2 will be whittled down by a panel of judges before a shortlist goes out to a public vote. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 4 where they will each be presented with the prestigious Bradford Medal.

This year, we are looking for nomi-nations in the categories of Good Neighbour, Volunteer, Fundraiser, Community Group, Young Active Citizen and Community Champion.