A man who brings sunshine to the lives of Maldon's elderly residents is to receive the Mayor's Award for Service to the Community.

Retired local government officer Michael Leeks, 65, of Church Street, Maldon, will receive the award from the town's Mayor, Eunice Downes, during service at St Mary's Church on April 28.

Having come to Maldon from Chelmsford 15 years ago, Mr Leeks has become a very familiar and friendly face among the town's retired population as a home visitor, a guest speaker at clubs and an organiser of quizzes and events.

Nominated for the award by Age Concern Maldon, of which he is vice-chairman, Mr Leeks spends his time visiting, helping and shopping for elderly, sick and lonely townsfolk.

A keen supporter of Maldon's religious life through the churches, he also enjoys holidays at home and abroad and uses his photographs and traveller's tales as the basis for talks to the town's clubs.

A spokesman for Age Concern described him as "a pillar of cheery humour" with a smile certain to lighten every elderly person's day.

In accepting the award Mr Leeks said he loved sharing his travel experiences, jokes, quizzes and favourite poetry and hymns with Maldon's elderly and disabled club members.

"It has been a wonderful experience, too, to give a small word of comfort and cheer to those suffering from illness and loneliness," he said.

Published Wednesday, April 10, 2002