An 86-year-old volunteer who won an award for spending weekends helping drunk people in the town centre wants people to nominate their heroes.

The closing date for entries in this year's Sutton Community Awards, backed by the Sutton Guardian, is approaching. The awards, organised by Sutton Council, aim to recognise people who do outstanding work in their communities.

North Cheam woman Pat Fletcher won an award last year for her work with the Street Pastors - a group that goes around Sutton town centre on weekend nights helping people who have had too much to drink, been hurt during the night or are facing other issues.

She said: "The main object is just to go out and help people who are in need. I do it two times a month and start at 10pm. We used to finish at 4am but with Revolution and Chicago Rock closing it's a bit earlier than that now. We just stay until things have cleared up really.

"I'm 86 now but I don't plan to stop. It was lovely to get the award but that's not really why I do it. There's just something in me that likes helping people.

"The Community Awards are a really good thing. I definitely think people should nominate because it's good to recognise what people are doing out there."

There are five categories in the awards - people who keep the borough safe, people who go the extra mile, those who run clubs, people who have increased the borough's prosperity and anyone who brought credit to the borough through outstanding achievement.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of Sutton Council, said: "There are many people in our borough who single-handedly care for family or loved ones, give up their time for free or work tirelessly in the community.

"These awards are our chance to recognise the dedication and commitment of those heroes and to say thank you at the same time."

Nominate your hero by Sunday January 5, by visiting www.sutton.gov.uk, emailing communityawards@sutton.gov.uk or visiting your local library or the Civic Offices. The awards will be judged by a panel including representatives from the Sutton Guardian ahead of a ceremony in February.

 

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