FOR many villagers, Tom Sumner is Mr Burley-in-Wharfedale - his undying community spirit only matched by the amount of hard work he puts in to revitalising his community

Mr Sumner, who has lived in Burley for almost 24 years, is the inspirational driving force behind the new village green, a small garden of rest next to the parish church, and mounting and maintaining the Christmas lights every year, amongst many other things.

A flood of nominations from fellow villagers has led to Mr Sumner becoming the first winner of a Wharfedale Community Oscar, which recognises the unsung heroes and heroines of our villages and towns.

The awards scheme, which this newspaper runs monthly in association with Cutlers Bar and Brasserie, of Burley-in-Wharfedale, and Paul Wilkinson Photography, of Ilkley, is selecting a winner every month during this millennium year.

Mr Sumner was selected as the January winner by Mel Vasey, editor in chief of Wharfedale Newspapers, and Rick Hodgson, of Cutlers.

Mr Sumner wins a meal for two at Cutlers and a framed certificate from Wharfedale Newspapers. He will also go forward with future monthly winners to a final judging at the end of the year, the winner receiving a special photo shoot with a family portrait by award-winning photographer Paul Wilkinson - a prize worth £365.

"We had a number of entries for some wonderful people who deserve to be recognised, but we felt on this occasion that Mr Sumner just shaded it," said Mr Vasey. "However, those nominations which were unsuccessful this time will go on to the February award, along with new nominations. Who knows, they could still be winners."

Mr Sumner, a 51-year-old self-employed builder and household repair man, was typically modest when he was told he had won the award - and said he would dedicate the award to the entire community of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

"I didn't expect this - I do the work because I enjoy doing it, not for any award. I'm so surprised that I've even been nominated.

"It is nice to be appreciated, but this isn't just about me, it is about the people who help me. We all have a good sense of community spirit here in Burley, and we work for the benefit of the whole village - in fact, this is an award for the whole village."

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