A disabled man, not expected to live beyond his teens, has been nominated for an award to mark his dedication to a village fund-raising event.

Graham Inman (pictured), 43, who suffers from a rare condition of the nervous system, has spent 30 years helping spearhead the organisation of Silsden Carnival, which has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes.

He has been nominated for Bradford council's Community Harmony Awards by Dr Peter Fell, the committee's treasurer.

Dr Fell, of Hod Hill, Steeton, said: "Graham was not expected to live past his teens, but at 43 he has more than surprised everybody.

"He never complains about his own personal circumstances and raises money constantly for others.

"I think it's high time our community recognised the effort of Silsden Carnival committee with special reference to Graham."

In the past five years alone, he had helped raise more than £6,000 for charities such as Airedale Hospital, Silsden toddlers' group as well as associations for pensioners and the blind.

"The Silsden Carnival brings together all the community for the weekend and a procession, events for young and old, music, majorettes, marching bands ensure that everyone has a day to remember.

"Graham organises everything from booking the events, ensuring transport for the dignitaries and carnival queen to writing to thank everybody for their efforts." he added.

But a modest Mr Inman said: "I'm not the sort of person who wants publicity -- I just get on with the job.

"But it's nice to be put forward."

And it's a job he has been involved with since he was 13, when he first joined the committee.

He has been secretary for the last ten years.

"I enjoy the work although sometimes it is hard, " said Mr Inman, who has been a wheelchair user since he was 11.

The Community Harmony awards, in their second year, were set up to recognise the work of individuals and groups trying to build bridges between people of different cultures, ages and backgrounds.

Nominations for this year's awards can still be made up to March 31, and the winners will be announced by the Lord Mayor at a special ceremony at City Hall, Bradford, on April 28.

l Silsden Carnival is held every last Sunday in July in Jackson's Riverside Field on Keighley Road.