Cheerful Brian always looks after his Alvaston neighbours
BRIAN Farthing has been the driving force behind creating a safer, more community-minded Derby with his work with the Neighbourhood Watch.
The 70-year-old grandfather began volunteering as part of the Alvaston Neighbourhood Watch and now, 12 years later, he has been nominated for a Community Champions award.
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Brian Farthing has been part of Alvaston's Neighbourhood Watch for 12 years.
Brian, of New City Homes, Curzon Lane, said: "When we first moved here we were having bit of trouble.
"Over the years I have got to know some of the youths who were being difficult, so we can talk and they don't give us problems as they used to."
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The Alvaston watch now covers nearly 200 homes and has given out hundreds of window alarms.
Brian is also a member of the Alvaston Neighbourhood Forum and is the chairman of the city's D-Division Neighbourhood Watch board.
Brian said: "Every Monday I work from St Mary's Wharf for a couple of hours, helping victims of crime and also helping new Neighbourhood Watches start up."
But for Brian, it is not just the safety of residents that is of concern to him.
He said: "It's about getting a bit of community spirit going.
"Some people didn't know who their neighbours were before.
"Now we all talk and, if someone is going away, we also look after their house too."
He said he thought it was "lovely" to be nominated, adding: "I don't do what I do for that reason but it is nice to have the recognition."
Paul Bayliss, leader of Derby City Council and Alvaston councillor, nominated Brian.
He said: "Brian's a successful and cheerful campaigner and supporter of the police and the Neighbourhood Watch.
"He has also taken the lead on the local 'speed watch' campaign and he goes out in all weathers to support people."
There are fourteen categories in this year's Community Champions Awards, which are being organised by the Mayor's Office and sponsored by the Derbyshire Building Society and Derby County Football Club.
These are: carer, fund-raiser of the year, cultural champion, diversity, achieving against the odds, children in the community, courage, extra mile, great neighbour, kindness to animals, unsung sporting hero, the Chief Constable's special award, the Mayor's volunteer award and the "be inspiring" award.
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