Georgina Townsend from Lake District Estates says Garry is a very worthy winner

A postman has been hailed as a ‘local community hero’ after dozens of residents in a Cumbrian village nominated him as someone helping make the county a better place to live and work.

Holiday parks group Lake District Estates teamed up with Cumbria Community Foundation in spring to launch the county-wide search for a “local community hero”.

The family-owned business asked people to suggest the names of individuals who deserved special recognition for making a difference in their local communities.

Garry Walker, the village postman in Moor Row near Whitehaven, received dozens of nominations from locals who feel he goes the extra mile to support them on a day-to-day basis.

Residents described Garry as friendly and helpful, and say he takes the time to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, and shows genuine concern if anything looks ‘out of the ordinary’.

Top of the class: Garry received his local hero award in front of guests and children in the village school

The winner’s presentation took place at Moor Row Primary School and was attended by pupils and staff plus members of the local community, and some of Garry’s colleagues.

Those who nominated Garry took the opportunity to congratulate him and offer their thanks in person, with Garry also receiving a loud cheer from the children.

Garry said: “I just want to thank everybody for nominating me. I can’t believe it to be honest, and I just didn’t expect this at all. Thank you all so much!”

Georgina Townsend from Lake District Estates said: “We know that many people work selflessly to make Cumbria a better place, and that’s why we launched our search to find an unsung community hero.

“We are thrilled to give this special prize to Garry who was chosen by our judging panel. We’re a family firm ourselves, and really wanted to honour someone who makes a true difference where they live.”

Garry’s reward will be a luxury ‘Cream Tea on the Move’ experience for two people on the iconic Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in West Cumbria.

The railway is owned by Lake District Estates which also operates six holiday parks in Cumbria, a marina in Lancashire, as well as other tourist attractions.

More information about the group and its parks is available at www.lakedistrictestates.com