FOR Graham Oakes, caring for his community is simply a way of life.

“It doesn’t take a lot to look after the people around you and the place where you live, but it means a lot,” says the 70-year-old.

For 16 years before he retired Graham worked in Winsford, keeping the streets and estates clean and tidy.

These days he gives his time to his community, helping keep the play area at Lostock Community Centre, in Stubbs Lane, a safe and clean space for children and groups.

The dad of four first worked at ICI before moving on after 25 years to help the Mid Cheshire Sheltered Workshop in James Street, Rudheath – an early incarnation of the Pettypool Trust. He spent three years there helping young people with disabilities to learn about gardening and farming.

“That was such an amazing place to be,” he says. “It was great to be able to teach these children all about their environment.”

After applying for a job he’d seen advertised in the Guardian he became a caretaker for Vale Royal Borough Council and stayed in post when Weaver Vale Housing Trust was formed.

“I loved it,” he said. “I became a part of the community there really. I got on so well with all the tenants – it was a great place to work. I used to love going around with my litter picker, tidying the area, keeping it nice and clean.”

During his time in Winsford Graham became well known for his generosity to the local primary school Over St John’s, buying selection boxes for the pupils every year. He also became equally well known for his Donald Duck impression.

“When I retired, one of the teachers asked the pupils how they’d best remember me,” he says. “A few of them said ‘selection boxes’ and others said, ‘Donald Duck!’”

It’s perhaps no surprise that when it came to retirement Graham, who lives in Works Lane in Lostock with his wife Anne, simply couldn’t give up the day job.

“All my working life I helped and looked after people and places,” he says. “It seemed daft to stop just because I retired.”

David and Jean Dent from Northwich are full of praise for Graham’s voluntary endeavours. Nominating him for the Good Citizen award, they said: “He has regularly looked after the Lostock Gralam Community Centre, particularly keeping the playing area free from litter and safe for children to play. He also attends any function taking place on the playing field, keeping it clean and tidy.”

Kim Grayson, who also nominated Graham, added: “He looks after Lostock Gralam park off his own back because he wants the children to play in a clean and safe environment, he doesn’t have to do this but he enjoys it.”

Northwich town mayor Cllr Alison Gerrard said: “I am thrilled that Graham is such a worthy recipient of the mayor’s community award, having given up such a lot of his time to look after the community centre and play area.

“On behalf of everybody, thank you and well done – keep up the good work.”

As a reward for his selfless contribution to the community, Graham wins a month of free access to Brio Leisure.

Brio managing director Elly McFahn said: “As a community interest company Brio understands how leisure and wellbeing services provide a vital element in helping communities thrive.

“We’re committed to offering every member of the community access to those opportunities. We also recognise the work of individuals who make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

“Huge congratulations to this month’s well-deserved winner and we hope they enjoy access to Brio’s fantastic range of facilities.”

Do you know anyone who is worthy of the mayor's good citizen award?

Email the person’s name, contact number and achievements to ned.bristow@nqnw.co.uk or call 01606 813621