A BURNHAM man has gained recognition for his selflessness after winning a prestigious Pride of Essex Award.

Raymond Kirkham, of Burnham, was awarded the Lifetime Star award for community work at the Anglia Ruskin University ceremony.

The 66-year-old father-of-three and grandfather-of-four won the prestigious award after receiving an “enormous” amount of nominations.

Daughter Alison Kirkham said: “I nominated my dad as he does so much for so many people in the local community of Burnham.

“His nickname is ‘No Probs Ray’ as he won’t say no to anybody – he will do anything for anyone.

“He has helped to run a mother and toddler group for nearly eight years at one of the local churches and has been a volunteer on the RNLI for nearly 20 years.

“As a church elder, he is forever helping other members, taking them to hospital appointments or helping with any odd jobs the older congregation can’t do.

“In his spare time, he teaches people to drive, not for money just for love.

“He must have got at least 80 people from Burnham through their driving tests.

“Over the years he has helped steward many local events. He has been Father Christmas at local schools and nurseries plus many other events.

“He does so much for everyone, not to mention all he does for his family.”

A spokesman for Pride of Essex said: “Raymond is the life and soul of goodness in Burnham. We had an enormous amount of nominations for him.”

Burnham councillor Fiona Clegg said: “He is a wonderful and generous individual, who always has a smile on his face and makes everyone around him feel special.”

Alison added: “The Pride of Essex Awards hosted a great evening and my dad was over the moon with his award and thanks everyone who nominated and supported him.

“An extra special thanks to his wife Anne who has stood by him all these years and also does a lot behind the scenes.”