A VOLUNTEER has been recognised for his contribution to a sheltered housing facility.

John Hayes spent 49 years giving up his time to act as treasurer for the Abbeyfield Leigh Society, which provides sheltered accommodation for older people at a site on Bond Street.

John, who lives in Glazebury, is one of seven people chosen from amongst 10,500 volunteers and staff throughout the UK to be recognised in Abbeyfield’s 2014 Royal Patron’s Awards.

He said: "In 1965, when I was 29 years of age and practising as a Chartered accountant in Leigh, I was approached by Leigh Rotary Club to help in the formation of a local Abbeyfield Society which would also be a registered charity.

"The aims are to provide affordable very sheltered housing for anyone and each resident has their own room, furnished with their own furniture and their own key to the room which is their home and has to be respected as such.

"There are communal lounges and dining rooms with a house manager available 24 hours, seven days a week."

John’s award is personally endorsed by Prince Charles, in recognition of his major contributions to the society and those living with them.

"The society is managed by a voluntary committee members of trustees of which I was a trustee and treasurer from 1965 until March when I decided it was time for a younger person to accept the responsibility of ensuring the future of the society.

"The committee and staff with my assistance have enabled us to move from one house to owning without debt a whole block."