A disabled man not expected to live beyond his teens has been nominated for an award at the age of 43 to mark his dedication to a village fund-raiser.

Graham Inman, who suffers from a rare condition of the nervous

system, has spent 30 years helping to spearhead the organisation of Silsden Carnival, which has raised more than £12,000 for local good causes.

He has been nominated for the Bradford Lord Mayor'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 recognises the effort of Silsden Carnival committee with special reference to Graham."

In the past five years alone, he helped raise more than £6,000 for charities such as Airedale General Hospital, Silsden Toddlers' Group, pensioners' and blind associations and youth sporting teams.

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

"Graham organises everything, from booking the events, ensuring transport for the dignitaries and

carnival queen to writing to thank everybody for their efforts."

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 have been put

forward."

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, which are 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, Councillor Allan Hillary, at a special ceremony at City Hall, Bradford, on April 28.

lSilsden Carnival, held every last Sunday in July in Jackson's Riverside Field in Keighley Road, will be celebrating its centenary in two years time.