TRYING to count the number of years he has been volunteering in the town is an impossible task for Dereyck Whitehouse.

This is because the 68-year-old from Orford has been doing it for so long he can't imagine doing anything else.

But it was for his unrelenting determination to make a difference that Dereyck was crowned the winner of the great and green award.

"I'm over the moon. I have always been a volunteer but the last few years have been great. I have had so much support from so many people," he said.

"Being a volunteer is not always easy but I do it because I enjoy doing it."

Dereyck has always been dedicated to making a difference in the community and has provided support to a number of charities including Warrington Open Door at Christmas.

But he was nominated for his work at the Orford Youth Base with the Brighter Futures team where he encourages people to produce fruit and vegetable to cook with.

The retired maintenance officer said: "The appreciation I get off the all the young people I have been working with makes it all worthwhile."

Shortlisted for the award was also Kate Fitch, who was described as a 'shining light' in the Walton Lea Project, and Norman Crompton, who was one of the most active men in the fight over the future of the Arpley Tip in Sankey Bridges.