AN Addingham man who has "devoted his life to serving the community" is the latest nominee in this year's Community Stars Awards.

Graeme Pullan, 52, has been praised for his volunteering work at the Abbeyfield Grove House residential home in Ilkley, where he supports staff working in the respite unit and coffee bar.

Lindsey Spencer, the volunteers' manager at the home, has nominated Graeme in both the volunteer and fundraiser categories, describing him as "110 per cent reliable" and a "pleasure to have around."

"Graeme has volunteered with us for more than ten years, and if he can provide any extra help, he always will," she said.

"He is always positive and cheerful, and supportive to all who need it, including residents and staff.

"I know we can always rely on Graeme, which is a great help. He never lets us down, and is a willing, happy volunteer at all times.

"He has devoted his life to serving the community, and to fundraising for causes which need help."

Away from his work at Abbeyfield, Graeme also volunteers at the Christchurch and the Clarke Foley Day Care Centre in Ilkley, and has been an avid fundraiser for various charities with his long-distance running since 1983.

He recently completed the Leeds half marathon and raised £600 for ARC, a group from St John's Church in Ben Rhydding catering for individuals with special needs.

In September, he will tackle the Great North Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, aiming to add to the £3,000 he has raised for charity down the years.

Graeme, who worked on the geriatric ward at Airedale General Hospital in Steeton earlier in his career, said hearing he had been nominated was a "really pleasant surprise."

"It just comes naturally to me to want to help people worse off than myself, and I know it means a lot to them," he said.

"I'm a good listener and like to give help and advice to elderly people if I can, and I love the places I work, I'm just really happy to help.

"I try to keep up with the running, and people are always willing to sponsor me for events, which I really appreciate."

The Community Stars Awards are being organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council to ensure unsung heroes are rewarded for efforts in their neighbourhoods.

Nominations, which must be received by Monday, September 8, will be whittled down by a panel of judges before a shortlist goes to the public vote.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall on December 8, where they will each be presented with the prestigious Bradford Medal.