AN ELDERLY man is putting younger villagers to shame with his determined efforts to keep Burley-in-Wharfedale spick and span.

Wilf Dean, 89, has put a valiant effort into helping Burley Community Council keep the village in top condition.

He is a stalwart member of a volunteer group dedicated to maintaining and improving the village - and has been involved in every one of their projects.

Tom Sumner, who organises the working party, said Mr Dean was his right hand man.

Mr Sumner said: "Out of all the helpers he is the one I can rely on every time.

"He may be 89 but he is putting many younger people to shame. "I think the world of him. He is absolutely wonderful."

Mr Dean became involved in the group's work when the Village Green was created, in 1996.

Since then he has helped out with work at West Terrace car park, with the Christmas lights and planting bulbs - to name but a few projects.

Mr Sumner, a committee member of Burley Community Council, is full of praise for Mr Dean - and says he could not be replaced.

He said: "I go round and see him every day and have a cup of tea and a chat. He always wants to know what the next project is and what we are doing. You couldn't get another character like him.

"Every project we have done in the village he has been there. There hasn't been a thing we have done that he has not been involved in. I do not know what I would do without him."

Mr Dean, of Main Street, said the work has kept him going since the death of his wife, for whom he planted a tree at the village green.

Mr Dean, who still drives a car, said: "I am able bodied. I do it to keep me active and to keep my mind right."

"I enjoy it. It is hard work but you get through it. It is worth it. The village is looking good."